Epicenter helps get Black-owned businesses off the ground in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Business ownership is one key to wealth, and a center in Memphis is helping entrepreneurs unlock what it takes to make it on their own.

The Entrepreneurship Powered Innovation Center, known as Epicenter, has a special focus on making sure African American-owned businesses thrive. The small center, located in the Cooper-Young neighborhood, is an entrepreneur’s dream.

“Studies show many small businesses feel they will be declined for capital before they even apply,” said Anthony Young, the capital executive of Epicenter.

That’s why Epicenter is connecting businesses with the grants and loans that will allow them to grow — especially Black-owned businesses.

Epicenter has helped more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and 500 businesses since 2015. Sixty percent of those were African American.

“Particularly in a city like Memphis, which is predominantly Black, I think it helps to support the local economy as well as helping to bridge the wealth gap,” Young said.

Things are about to get busy for Premier Flowers as they prep for Valentine’s Day. Owner Colby Midgett has been stepping up to the challenge since she opened her flower shop six years ago.

“Floristry is a tough industry to tap into,” Midgett said — and for an African American female, it can be even tougher.

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