Every business venture starts with an idea. But the true testament of entrepreneurship is cultivating ideas into action. Now in its 14th year, the Black Enterprise Small Business Awards highlight entrepreneurs who demonstrate the tenacity and creative thinking that’s needed to thrive in the midst of entrepreneurial uncertainty. The winners of the 2009 Small Business Awards will be announced at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by General Motors and ExxonMobil, May 17—20 in Detroit. Following are the finalists of our annual Small Business Awards:
TEENPRENEUR AWARD NOMINEES
This award recognizes a young entrepreneur or group, age 19 or younger, committed to advancing at a young age the rich tradition of black business achievement.
Buttons By Jordan
Type of business: Promotional buttons and badges
Founder/CEO: Jordan Culpepper, 13
Revenues: $7,000
Location: Hazel Crest, IL
www.buttonsbyjordan.com
Tutu Luv Me Collection
Type of business: Jewelry, fashion accessories, girls’ apparel
Founder: Dasia Aigner Dawson, 11
Revenues: $10,000
Location: Rancocas, NJ
www.tutuluvme.com
AJ’s Hawaiian Iceez
Type of business: Flavored shaved ice desserts
Co-founder/CEO: Adam Holland, 13
Co-founder/COO: Jonathan Holland, 12
Revenues: $11,000
Location: Brandywine, MD
www.ajsiceez.com
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
This award is given to the business flourishing in an innovative industry or approaching business/entrepreneurship in a groundbreaking manner via their products and/or services.
iWave Technologies L.L.C. dba iCubed International L.L.C.
Type of business: Manufacturer of portable appliances
Founder/Managing Member: Phil Davis
Location: Cleveland
www.iwavecube.com
Phil Davis’ flagship product is the iWavecube ($149.95), a miniature microwave weighing only 12 pounds. Last year’s revenues exceeded $100,000. Davis owns the patents on the iWavecube in both the U.S. and China. Next to launch in fall 2009 is a portable toaster (iToastcube) as well as a refrigerator (iFridgecube).
Group4 Labs Inc.
Type of business: Develops diamond-based semiconductors for highly energy-efficient micro-electronics
Co-Founder/CEO: Felix Ejeckam
Location: Menlo Park, CA
www.group4labs.com
Launched in 2003, Group4 Labs produces the world’s first diamond-based semiconductors for use in wireless, GPS satellites, and more. Its patented technology–Gallium Nitride-on-Diamond–enables 10-times more energy-efficiency than its competitors. The 12-employee firm realized $1.25 million in 2008 revenues. Clients include NASA and the Dept. of Defense.
Rainey Compression Essentials
Type of business: Designer, manufacturer, and distributor of post-operative garments
President/CEO: Russell Rainey
Location: Atlanta
www.raineywear.com
Rainey Compression Essentials earns revenues of $1.1 million as a provider of post-operative garments for the plastic surgery industry. Looking beyond U.S. borders, the company is taking advantage of the booming plastic surgery market in the Caribbean.
B.E. NEXT AWARD NOMINEES
This award is presented to the fearless young entrepreneur age 21—35 tapped to be a future business leader.
Baracka Wear Inc.
Type of Business: Apparel
Co-founder/CEO: Brandon Broussard
Co-founder/COO: Lorielle Broussard
Location: Los Angeles
www.barackawear.com
Siblings Brandon, 33, and Lorielle, 28, Broussard launched Baracka Wear Inc. in August 2007. Besides Obama paraphernalia, the company now offers a line of nonpolitical shirts, Yo-town, representing cities across the country and world. Baracka Wear generated $600,000 in 2008 and projects sales will reach $800,000 in 2009. Lorielle is preparing to launch her denim line later this year, while Brandon also oversees an Internet comedy show, Purple Stuff TV (www.youtube.com/purplestufftv).
Elohim Cleaning Contractors
Type of Business: Industrial and commercial construction site cleaning
Founder/CEO: Sirena C. Moore
Location: Bristol, PA
www.elohimcleaningcontractors.com
Launched in 2002, 27-year-old Sirena Moore’s executive team includes her father and younger brother. The firm services clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Their steady performance can be partly attributed to the company’s conscious decision to operate debt-free since its inception. Revenues for 2008 reached $2 million, and the company anticipates an increase to $4.4 million for 2009.
Heritage Link Brands L.L.C.
Type of business: Wine importer and distributor
Co-founder/CEO: Selena Cuffe
Co-founder/CFO: Khary Cuffe
Location: Los Angeles
www.heritagelinkbrands.com
Launched in 2005 by husband-and-wife team Khary, 30, and Selena Cuffe, 33,
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
This award is presented to the small business owner whose efforts and/or entrepreneurial pursuits exemplify the passion and commitment needed to overcome adversity as well as attain success.
Noble Strategy L.L.C.
Type of business: Construction management and consulting
President/CEO: William S. Parrish Jr.
Location: South Orange, NJ
www.noblestrategy.com
With more than 20 years of construction experience, William S. Parrish Jr., 42, and his company, Noble Strategy, have provided construction management and consulting to municipalities, agencies, institutions, and corporations since 2002. With revenues at more than $2.3 million for 2008, the 28-employee firm projects 2009 revenues to increase about 30% because of several construction projects in the works, including one tied to the Freedom Tower project in New York City at One World Trade Center.
The Phillips Co. Inc.
Type of business: Machining, assembly, subassembly, warehousing, distribution
Owner/CEO: Valerie Phillips
Location: Columbus, IN
www.thephillipscompany.com
Ready to strike out on her own after 25 years in the engine manufacturing industry, Valerie
Buzz Marketing Group
Type of business: Market research
Founder/CEO: Tina Wells
Location: Voorhees, NJ
www.buzzmarketinggroup.com
Buzz Marketing Group helps companies learn how to reach one of the few groups that still have disposable income–teens. And at the center of it all is 29-year-old Tina Wells. Since 1996, the Voorhees, NJ-based market research company focuses on the interests and needs of youth ages 6 to 24 and has assisted clients in crafting effective marketing strategies and campaigns related to beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment. With clients that include PBS and the Girl Scouts of the USA, revenues totaled $4 million in 2008. This month, the first installment of Wells’ four-book deal with HarperCollins Children’s Books introduces the world to Mackenzie Blue, a character Wells created.
–Benice Atufunwa & Tennille M. Robinson