November 3 was a night to remember with more than 100 small business owners from across New York City joining Hello Alice and Mastercard to network and discuss the challenges and triumphs of Black entrepreneurship — all part of the Mastercard Strive tour, encouraging the support of Black-owned small businesses across the country.
Guests gathered at the stylish Flatiron District boutique Noir et Blanc and enjoyed drinks from Brooklyn’s Happy Cork as speakers from Mastercard and the Hello Alice community led a lively discussion on breaking down barriers and opening new pathways to success. Speakers included:
- Ginger Siegel, North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard International
- Deann Donahue, VP of Business Development, Mastercard
- Natalie Diamond, VP of Business Development, Hello Alice
- Ken Ebie, Executive Director and CEO, Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC)
- Savonne Anderson, owner, Aya Paper Co.
- Deborah Koenigsburger, owner, Noir et Blanc
Deborah Koenigsburger, the recipient of a COVID-19 Business for All Emergency Grant and the owner of Noir et Blanc, inspired the room with her message of resilience and community: “Getting the grant was the first time someone gave me something for my business that I didn’t have to give back. My advice is to educate yourself about what’s out there to help you and take advantage of it. There are a lot of people trying to support our community right now. There are a lot of people that believe in us more than we believe in us. Get on the bandwagon!”
Download the full recap of the event now!
Wondering if a Mastercard Strive event is heading your way? Join a Strive City chapter now and stay up to date on all Mastercard Strive resources available for you!
About the Hello Alice x Mastercard Partnership
In partnership with Hello Alice, Mastercard has pledged $500 million to help close the racial wealth and opportunity gap for Black communities across America.
Together we’re focused on getting small business owners the capital, technical assistance, and tools they need to grow: