Our Impact
In underserved communities, household wealth often lags far behind national averages, limiting access to opportunity and long-term economic security. We believe that empowering small businesses is a proven pathway to closing these economic gaps—creating jobs, generating local investment, and ultimately building stronger, more resilient communities.
The Numbers
$18M
Economic support to small businesses.
$80K
Scholarships provided to youth.
1,600
Small businesses preserved through TBE capital investment and technical support.
16K
Small businesses supported though TBE programming.
Problem
There is a wide and persistent wealth gap between households in underserved communities and the national average, driven by limited access to capital, resources, and economic opportunity.
Unequal Wealth Distribution
Underserved communities make up a significant portion of the population, yet hold a disproportionately small share of household wealth—reflecting long-standing barriers to economic opportunity and asset-building.
Access to Capital
Data from the Federal Reserve shows that nearly 60% of small businesses in underserved communities face funding shortfalls, and are more likely to rely on personal savings or high-interest credit. These disparities in loan access directly impact their ability to scale and create jobs.
Business Ownership Disparity
Underserved communities make up a large portion of the population but account for a disproportionately small share of the nation’s 5.9 million employer businesses, reflecting gaps in access to resources and support.
Savings
Households in underserved communities often lack emergency savings, with many having less than $2,000 in liquid assets—making it difficult to withstand financial shocks or invest in business opportunities.
Total Wealth
In 2022, the median net worth of households in the bottom 20% income bracket was approximately $14,000, while the top 10% held a median net worth of over $3.7 million.
Systemic Impact on Small Business Ecosystems
Health Disparities
Economic stress, lack of insurance, and limited access to healthcare and healthy food options in underserved communities contribute to disproportionately high rates of chronic disease and preventable deaths.
Barriers to Equitable Justice
Individuals in underserved communities are more likely to face pretrial detention for low-level offenses due to lack of access to bail and legal representation—leading to job loss, family disruption, and long-term barriers to economic stability.
Youth Vulnerability
Students in low-income communities are five times more likely to drop out of high school than their higher-income peers, limiting future opportunities and increasing long-term economic risk.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Housing Instability
Nearly 50% of renters in low-income communities spend more than 30% of their income on housing, increasing their risk of eviction, homelessness, and limited upward mobility. Homeownership remains out of reach for many due to systemic barriers in lending and affordability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, HUD
Workforce Disparities
Workers in underserved communities are more likely to hold low-wage, hourly jobs with limited benefits and job security. As of 2023, unemployment rates in these areas are nearly twice the national average, reflecting persistent barriers to stable, well-paying employment.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Economic Policy Institute
The Need
Impact investments to fund the sustainable development of underserved communities that will empower them to build wealth through:
- Real Estate Acquisition
- Entrepreneurship / Start-ups
- Business Acquisition
- Financial Education
- Investments
The UN Model of Sustainability
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.” The SDGs emphasize the interconnected environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable development, by putting sustainability at their center.
The Texas Black Expo B.O.O.M. Initiative will have a direct impact on six of the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals.
Case Studies
We All Eat
$12.6M COVID Relief Impact Investment
740,000+ meals served
3,300+ food insecure families fed
7,600+ individuals served meals
168 job screated or preserved
$11.7 M+ paid to restaurants
Fast Company World Changing Ideas 2021 Awards – Honorable Mention
Featured on Emmy Award-Winning Daytime TV Talk Show, The Real
Night Light Pediatrics
Founders: Dr. Anastasia Gentles, Zawadi Bryant, & Connie Cazares.
The success story of a smallbusiness that utilized TBE programming from their inception, grew strategically, was acquired by a national organization, and added millions to the net worth of three minority females.
2007
Nightlight begins with 5 employees and one clinic.
Partners with Texas Black Expo to coordinate Health Fair for exposure.
Growth
Grows to 130 employees, 9 clinics serving 90k patients.
Featured in Forbes.
Annually coordinates Texas Black Expo Kid Adventure Zone as their primary marketing outreach.
2012
Zawadi Bryant joins Texas Black Expo Board to support the organization that supported them.
Accounts for $100k in sponsor revenue.
2021
Nightlight is acquired in multi-million dollar purchase by Mednax, a national medical group.
Hurricane Harvey Relief
Thirty eight $1,000 grants provide to small businesses.
105 jobs preserved.
Recognized by Ford as Unsung Heros.
Ways to Support
Sponsor our Events
Sponsors help us produce impactful events and programs that enhance quality of life and advance economic prosperity.
Partner with Programs
Our Elite partners assist our organization in our day to day work and is designed to accommodate any person at any level.