How Candice Dukes’ Black marketplace creates an enclave for locally owned Black businesses
When running a successful business, African-Americans must often bear the weight of historical discrimination and a lack of access. Reportedly, 8 out of 10 Black-owned companies fail within the first 18 months. It’s no surprise that most business owners pull the plug long before they see long-term success.
However, for one Warren native, the story is different. Growing up immersed in a family of successful Black-owned businesses, Candice Dukes is equipped with the knowledge, access and resources to position her business for success and is helping others do the same.
Dukes and her family are Warren residents with more than 50 years of business development under their belts. Growing up, the budding entrepreneur learned firsthand the value of customer service and acquisition, problem-solving skills and how to create financial momentum. These have impacted and shaped her into the thriving business owner she is today.
“My childhood honestly ignited my fire for entrepreneurship. As a child, I didn’t realize the positive impact my upbringing had on my life. I just thought this was a somewhat ‘normal’ life, but as an adult, I am forever appreciative of the trailblazing my grandparents and family did for us,” Dukes said.
Duke is a full-time banker and the owner of The Black Business Market, which seeks to provide the ultimate Black shopping experience by allowing Black entrepreneurs to showcase their products, goods and services.
Calling for more African-American business owners
Dukes believes any business owner can succeed with free and available resources. However, being an African-American business owner is a different ball game.
“But specifically speaking on being an African-American in business, it is everything. It helps push the culture forward. It gives those coming after us high aspirations and a chance to visualize success,” Dukes added.
There’s a need for more African-American businesses — not solely for entrepreneurship purposes but for the culture.
Rising above African-Americans’ business challenges
Ask any successful business owner, and they’ll have much to say about the challenges they face. Black-owned businesses often struggle to stay afloat due to a lack of capital. This didn’t startle Dukes, who sees a lack of accessible resources as a significant hindrance to African-American businesses.
“Being an African-American in business is tough, mostly because in some cases, we can’t afford the same opportunities as some of our counterparts. So you have to work hard. Speaking specifically for my journey, it is much work on a consistent, everyday basis. As far as financial help to grow my business, I have not received any, but I am fortunate enough to fund my business with my 9 to 5,” said Dukes.
Despite the challenges she faced, she remained grounded. What keeps her going is the strength she draws from God, her child and the legacy of being a Black business owner.
Impacting the next generation of Black businesses in Warren
According to Nielsen, the Black economic and cultural impact continues to shape not only critical historical events but also development across industries and digital platforms. Using social media as a tool to harness community support and business initiatives continue to serve Dukes and her business.
The Black Business Market is a staple for Black businesses in the area, providing a safe haven and enclave for local Black businesses to share resources and ideas. Dukes is determined to continue furthering her businesses’ scope of influence and support for local entrepreneurs.
“We’ll soon be offering more services to business owners to help them succeed in business. And also have a few collaborations in the works to expand the brand,” she said.
With the season kicking off on May 21, the celebration of Juneteenth, and the Market’s third anniversary on June 19, the future for the Black Business Market is bright.
This story was originally published June 13, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
