Minority-owned businesses important to quality of life

Henry Sanders Jr.

Unfortunately, the discussion rarely continues into the realm of minority-owned businesses. The sustainability and growth of this sector of the business community is vital for our community. How our community embraces diversity and the kind of environment we create for minority-owned businesses will help determine how Madison is viewed outside of the region and how we score in future quality-of-life surveys.

Dane County boasts more than 130 minority-owned businesses certified by the state Department of Administration, 110 of them in Madison.

Minority-owned businesses provide Madison with vibrancy.

What would Willy Street be without Jamerica and Blue Bird Services? State Street and Library Mall without Buraka? The minority and majority communities in Madison benefit from Umoja, the Madison Times and La Movida media.

Supporting and encouraging growth of the minority business sector in Madison will promote overall quality of life. Specifically, it will likely have a positive impact on the discrepancies felt between minority residents of Madison and their counterparts.

Efforts of both the local government and business associations suggest there is a growing awareness of the important role that minority businesses play in the city's continued success.

Recent developments include the African American Black Business Association and the Latino Chamber of Commerce.

These efforts are complemented by the city's attention to the "quality of life gap" between segments of Madison's population and suggests that minorityowned businesses will be getting the attention and support they need.

Input from minority business owners has been incredibly valuable.

Leaders including Gladis Benavides (Benavides Enterprises Inc.), Byron Bishop (APA of Madison) and Dan Guerra (Argus Innovations) have provided insight into how our community can support and improve conditions for minority businesses.

Benavides is currently a member of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce's (GMCC) Board of Directors. Guerra is a member of the Small Business Advisory Council, a group that provides advice and guidance to the GMCC president and the mayor's office. Bishop's involvement with a variety of local activities stands as an example of the important role that minority business owners have as both advocates for and contributors to the improved economy for minority residents.

The continued vibrancy of our community relies heavily on our ability to support minority businesses. Discussions regarding ways in which minority businesses can be cultivated should be among the top priorities for both local government and residents.

Improving conditions for minority-owned businesses will benefit Madison in many ways, including maintaining our eclectic variety, closing the "quality of life gap" and encouraging sustainable and inclusive economic growth for everyone.

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