THE ULTIMATE OVERCOMERS: Black Women in Business in the Anti-DEI Era

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Ultimate Overcomers: Black Women in Business in the Era of Trump chronicles the dual realities faced by Black women entrepreneurs in the wake of sweeping anti-DEI policies along with the implications of a wide range of actions implemented by the Trump Administration that have seemingly targeted the success of Black-owned and womenowned business nationwide. While the data shared herein reveal the devastating impacts of this Administration’s actions on Black womenowned businesses specifically—actions that have also resulted in significant setbacks for a large swarth of small business owners across the race and gender spectrum—this report goes far beyond merely documenting loss. Through a mix of original survey, focus group and individual interview methodologies, it highlights stories of extraordinary resilience. By way of adaptation, innovation, and collective action, Black women business owners not only survived the sharp and largely unprecedented attack on their economic well-being, but in many cases, ultimately recalibrated and grew in the face of change. Perspectives from these “Overcomers” offer a blueprint for how others can overcome by blending strategic pivots, innovation, and collaboration to not only survive, but to grow, lead, and prosper, even in the most dire of circumstances. This Executive Summary highlights key findings from the report along with recommendations for addressing the challenges that remain so that more Black women entrepreneurs can find their path to Overcoming.