Liberian Business Association Connects Dots for Minority-Owned Businesses
Small businesses throughout the northwest metro are owned by minorities. Many of which faced challenges long before COVID-19.
“Small businesses are stretched,” said Jackson George, executive director of Liberian Business Association (LIBA). “We wear so many caps. We are our own bookkeeper, we are our own secretary, we are our own administrative assistant, we do everything.”
Jackson George, executive director of Liberian Business Association (LIBA).
George said minority business owners don’t always have the tools to thrive. Some businesses owned by immigrants also don’t have the paperwork or requirements to get loans and grants.
To alleviate these challenges in Minnesota, LIBA was founded in 2016. Since then, they’ve helped about 250 minority-owned businesses.
“Right now, we have a contract with Brooklyn Center to carry technical assistance programs, to get computers, get books on it, teach businesses how to do books,” explained George.
Through the program, several business owners have been trained and educated on improving business procedures. LIBA also helped connect businesses with other businesses.
“I would love to see small businesses do well,” said George. “We want to see a city that’s diverse, but a city that’s also representative of who we are as people.”
George added that the organization wishes to also take its talents and resources to help those in Liberia.
