More than 51 years ago, Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (“IBE”) hosted its first exposition to match small black businesses with major corporations. Since this time, IBE has provided a venue during its Summer Celebration exhibition hall for small black businesses to sell their products and services.
Black businesses have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic-linked economic downturn, partly because they were more likely to already be in a precarious position, including more likely to be located in communities with business environments that are more likely to produce poor business outcomes.