Black women are driving one of the most powerful entrepreneurial surges in the country today — yet they remain among the most underfunded and overlooked founders in the U.S. business landscape. This paradox is more than a data point. It’s a call to action.
Across the nation, Black women are launching businesses at higher rates than any other demographic group. Their ventures strengthen local economies, create jobs and solve problems that traditional markets have ignored for far too long. But despite this undeniable momentum, Black women continue to face staggering disparities in access to capital, networks and institutional support. McKinsey’s “Underestimated Start-Up Founders” report (2023) found that only 0.1% of VC funding went to Black and Latino women founders. In other words: the innovation is there, but the investment is not.
That gap has consequences. When businesses led by Black women don’t receive equitable access to funding and visibility, entire communities miss out on economic growth, innovation and culturally relevant solutions. Supporting these founders shouldn’t be viewed solely as an act of equity, it’s a strategic investment in the future of our economy.
A recent pitch competition hosted by the Urban League of Broward County, in partnership with Philip Morris USA, offered a clear example of what happens when Black women are intentionally supported. The event showcased talent, brilliance and problem-solving at its finest. Three women stood out by developing products that directly address real-world challenges and their wins signal the kind of innovation our nation should be paying attention to:
KUSHAE — Advancing Feminine Wellness Through Technology
KUSHAE is reshaping how women, particularly women of color, engage with their reproductive and menstrual health. Through a streamlined app experience, KUSHAE is building a platform where women can access education, track symptoms, explore personalized care options and connect with health resources.
Next of Kin Plan — Making Estate Planning Accessible for All
Estate planning is often viewed as complex, intimidating or something that only the wealthy need. Next of Kin Plan challenges that misconception head-on. By providing a user-friendly estate planning app, it empowers families to prepare critical documents, store essential information and make decisions that protect their loved ones.
Show Agent LLC — Because Realtors Deserve Support, Too
Show Agent LLC is an on-demand support service designed to help realtors reclaim their time and focus on income-producing tasks. The company provides licensed professionals who can show properties, attend inspections and appraisals, and host polished open house events on behalf of busy agents. By stepping in where they’re needed most, Show Agents help realtors maintain momentum with clients while reducing burnout and improving work-life balance.
These founders demonstrate what’s possible when Black women have the platform, the visibility and the support they deserve. Their ideas are not just innovative, they are transformative. Each is tackling a problem affecting thousands, if not millions, of people.
If we want to see more breakthroughs like these, we must remain committed to investing in Black women entrepreneurs. That means expanding funding opportunities, opening doors to procurement pipelines, offering mentorship and amplifying their stories.
The Baughtom Line: The success of KUSHAE, Next of Kin Plan, and Show Agent LLC isn’t just their success. It’s a sign of what can happen when we support Black women in business, our communities grow stronger, our economy becomes more resilient and our future becomes brighter for all.
