Since co-founding the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) in 2002, Jill Johnson has been a pioneering voice for empowering Black-owned small businesses as one way of closing the enormous wealth gap between Black households and white households. With the devastating effects of COVID-19 disproportionately affecting Black small business owners, IFEL launched the Small Businesses Need Us initiative. The initiative pulls together volunteers with different skill sets and professional backgrounds to help small business owners navigate the myriad challenges and obstacles they're facing and help them get back on track. Volunteers are matched to a "Success Circle," along with other professionals, where their skills will be best utilized to help a small business owner. From marketing advice to legal advice, the help you provide small business owners can range from strategic to tactical, and from high level to down in the trenches. The initiative is a worthwhile pro bono opportunity for both professional staff and attorneys as well as a chance for attorneys to earn pro bono credit.
Read Jill's call to action to help close the gaping wealth divide between Black and white communities here.