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SOUL Street’s mission is to empower the Black Business Community through advocacy, outreach, education and events. We aim to create economic opportunity for every member of the Black business community in our region while rebuilding Black generational wealth. Our primary events include POP Up Markets hosted in Frederick County as well as educational events in which we provide businesses the tools necessary to succeed.
A Conversation with Catherine Dorsey, Board President.
Tell us your organization origin story.
SOUL Street was formulated in 2020 during a tumultuous time in our country. In addition to a national pandemic, unarmed Black men and women were being killed by police at an alarming rate. The murder of George Floyd was a catalyst. SOUL Street was born out of a need to provide effective solutions to ending racial injustice in our own backyard. We recognized that supporting Black-owned businesses is an effective way to eliminate racism, promote economic opportunity and empower Black entrepreneurs and communities. Closing the racial wealth gap helps to address systemic inequalities and fosters a more inclusive and equitable society. Our first market, over 400 people attended, during a Pandemic! Since our inception, we have hosted markets in which 89 black owned businesses have showcased and sold their products; hosted educational events tailored to providing insight and resources to black owned businesses so that they may be successful with topics including finding their purpose, managing their books/finances, how to successfully brand and market their business and how to successfully transition to a brick and mortar; and have advocated for black owned businesses by participating in workgroups, round tables, and partnering with agencies and organizations committed to the same goal. SOUL Street officially became a Non-Profit in 2023.
What do you like most about being an organization located in Frederick County?
Frederick has a real sense of Community. From the start, SOUL Street has received unwavering support from the residents, the County, the city, Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Ausherman Foundation and other organizations and businesses such as YMCA and Common Market (just to name a few). It is a place filled with people who want to help and who want to see others succeed. It gives us a sense of pride and makes us feel great to be part of such a community. Although we are here to be a resource for Black Owned Businesses, we would not be able to do that if it wasn’t for the resources and opportunities provided to us.
What makes your organization unique?
Frederick County offers multiple resources for businesses such as the Frederick County office of Economic Development or even the Chamber of Commerce however, there is no organization specifically dedicated to the success of Black Owned Businesses. The Small Business Administration reports that 20% of new businesses fail within their first year while 30% fail in their second year. In comparison, it is reported that 80% of black owned businesses fail within their first 18 months. With out the support, education and resources, Black Owned Businesses are more likely to fail and SOUL street endeavors to fill that gap.
What do you want your organization to be known for?
We want SOUL Street to be known for highlighting the underrepresented business community in Frederick County. We want people to know that SOUL Street is more than just our markets. We are a small team of 6, made up of business owners and community leaders, volunteering our time because we believe in our mission and understand the value in supporting Black Owned Businesses. Especially now, we want people to understand that Diversity and Inclusion are not dirty words and can help drive the local economy, create jobs, close the wealth gap and create generational wealth. We want Black Owned Businesses to know that they can turn to us to be their voice, advocate and supporter while elevating their platform to ensure their long term success. We were told “be the change you want to see” and are making strides in that direction. We want to encourage more Black/minority businesses to connect with us, allow us to bring the community to their door and have an awesome time doing so.
How can the community support you?
The community can show up and show out; bring your friends and families to our events, SHOP with our vendors (both in person and online), engage with us on social media, give a shout out when you do pop up at an event, and we will always accept donations.
What does SOUL Street do best?
SOUL Street is currently known for our markets. The feedback that we always receive from our vendors is that we do a great job promoting the events and highlighting their individual businesses.
Is there anything else exciting about your business that you want the Chamber membership to know about?
On May 17th SOUL Street will be hosting our Crank Hop and Shop Market on Carroll Creek from 5PM to 9PM. Please come out and shop with us, listen to some live Music from L.I.T Bank; a crank hop (GOGO) Band from D.C, have some bbq for dinner, enjoy some mocktails but most importantly, shop with over 20 Black Owned Businesses! You can also head over to our website, mysoulstreet.com for more information on our holiday market, taking place in November!
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.