Running a business isn’t easy. But doing it while breaking barriers, fighting bias, and rewriting history? That’s next-level. Black women in business have been doing just that—leading, innovating, and proving (over and over again) that success isn’t about who gets a head start, but who refuses to stop.
Yet, their achievements often get overlooked. Crazy, right? These women are out here driving billion-dollar companies, launching game-changing startups, and redefining industries. And while platforms like Plerdy help businesses optimize websites and boost conversions, success still starts with fearless leadership.
So, let’s fix that. In this article, you’ll meet 12 Black businesswomen who didn’t just climb the ladder—they built their own.
Breaking Barriers in Business
Black women in business? Yeah, they’ve been making history for centuries. But for way too long, they weren’t the ones getting the headlines. The corporate world and startup scene weren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet. Even now, less than 1% of venture capital funding goes to Black female founders. That’s not just unfair—it’s a massive missed opportunity.
Think about it. Madam C.J. Walker became the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S. back in the early 1900s, selling haircare products designed for Black women. Fast forward a century, and women like Rihanna (Fenty Beauty) and Bozoma Saint John (ex-CMO at Netflix) are leading global brands, proving that diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to innovation.
But let’s be real: the road isn’t smooth. Even today, Black women in business face three big challenges:
- Investment gaps – Fundraising is tough. Convincing investors? Even tougher. Many still underestimate Black female entrepreneurs.
- Race & gender bias – Boardrooms remain dominated by white men. Breaking in takes twice the effort.
- Limited networks – Connections matter, but old-school business circles weren’t built to include them.
Yet despite all this, Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. From e-commerce brands to tech startups, they’re shaking up industries, building businesses with impact. And with tools like Plerdy, they’re optimizing their websites, boosting conversions, and reaching wider audiences—on their terms.
12 Inspiring Black Business Women
Ursula Burns – A Fortune 500 Pioneer
Ursula Burns didn’t just break the glass ceiling—she smashed it into tiny pieces. The first Black woman to become a Fortune 500 CEO, she led Xerox through one of its biggest transformations. Imagine taking over a company known for paper copies in a world going digital. Not exactly an easy gig, right? But Burns didn’t flinch. Instead, she pushed Xerox toward business services and tech solutions, making sure it stayed relevant.
Born in a housing project in New York, she knew what hard work meant. No silver spoon, no easy path. Just grit, brains, and a mechanical engineering degree. In 2009, she stepped into the CEO role at Xerox, proving that leadership isn’t about background, but about vision.
Even after Xerox, Burns didn’t slow down. She sits on boards of Uber, Nestlé, and ExxonMobil, guiding some of the biggest names in business. She’s also a major voice for diversity in corporate America. When she speaks, the business world listens.
Her legacy? Not just Xerox, but showing Black women in business that they belong at the top.
Rosalind Brewer – A Black Woman Entrepreneur Shaping Business
Rosalind Brewer isn’t just another CEO. She’s a Black woman entrepreneur who took charge in some of the biggest companies in the U.S. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Starbucks, Sam’s Club—her leadership left a mark in each. Being a Black woman in business? Not easy. But Brewer? She didn’t wait for permission.
At Sam’s Club, she made waves by pushing for diversity in suppliers, making sure businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs and women got real opportunities. Some people questioned her decisions. Others saw them as game-changing. But in a world where only 2% of venture capital goes to Black women entrepreneurs, someone had to shake things up.
Then came Starbucks. After the infamous 2018 racial bias incident, she spearheaded the company’s nationwide anti-bias training. Some called it unnecessary. But let’s be real—change never happens without resistance. She stood her ground, making Starbucks rethink corporate culture.
At Walgreens, Brewer didn’t just focus on sales. She led COVID-19 vaccine distribution, ensuring underserved Black communities got access. She’s not just another executive counting profits. She’s a Black woman entrepreneur changing the rules of business, proving that inclusion isn’t a buzzword—it’s a necessity.
Janice Bryant Howroyd – The First Black Woman Entrepreneur to Build a Billion-Dollar Business
Starting a business with only $900? Sounds impossible. But that’s exactly what Janice Bryant Howroyd did. She didn’t have a wealthy family or investors throwing money at her. Just a vision, determination, and a serious work ethic. Today, her company, ActOne Group, is a billion-dollar empire. The first Black woman entrepreneur to achieve this level of success in the HR industry? That’s history in the making.
Back in the 1970s, being a Black woman in business meant extra challenges. Banks refused loans. Investors ignored her. But Janice wasn’t waiting for permission. She built ActOne step by step, helping businesses connect with talented workers. Now, her company operates in over 32 countries, serving clients from Fortune 500 giants to small startups.
She’s not just about personal success. Supporting other Black women entrepreneurs is a big part of her mission. Janice actively mentors, invests, and speaks about the importance of women in leadership. “Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally,” she says. And looking at her journey? That advice is pure gold.
Cathy Hughes – A Black Woman Entrepreneur Who Changed Media Forever
Imagine starting a media business with nothing but a vision—and ending up as the first Black woman entrepreneur to take a company public. That’s Cathy Hughes, the powerhouse behind Radio One (now Urban One). Back in the late 1970s, when Black voices in mainstream media were barely heard, she launched a radio station focused on issues important to Black communities. Bold? Absolutely. Necessary? More than ever.
Her journey wasn’t easy. At one point, she and her son literally lived in the radio station because rent was too high. But giving up? Not an option. She kept pushing, and today, Urban One owns over 50 radio stations and a massive digital network. Hughes didn’t just build a company—she gave a platform to Black voices, reshaping how media represents Black culture, politics, and business.
Going public on the stock market in 1999 was a game-changer. Cathy Hughes proved that a Black woman entrepreneur could not only break into the corporate world but dominate it. Now, with TV One, iOne Digital, and more under her belt, she continues to show the power of representation. Her motto? “Dream big, work hard, and don’t take no for an answer.”
Lisa Price – A Black Woman Entrepreneur Who Built a Beauty Empire from Her Kitchen
Some business stories start in boardrooms. Lisa Price’s? Right in her kitchen. Back in the early 1990s, she was just another Black woman mixing homemade beauty products for friends and family. Coconut oils, shea butter, natural scents—nothing fancy, just real, good stuff. But word spread fast. Soon, demand exploded, and by 1993, she had her own beauty business — Carol’s Daughter.
Now, here’s where it gets wild. Her handmade products caught the attention of some serious names. We’re talking Oprah, Halle Berry, Jay-Z. When your brand makes it to Oprah’s “Favorite Things,” you know you’re onto something big. Sales skyrocketed, and by the 2000s, her company had a cult following. But Lisa wasn’t just making shampoos and lotions—she was rewriting the beauty industry’s rules, proving that Black entrepreneurs could dominate a market traditionally led by big corporations.
In 2014, she made an even bolder move—selling Carol’s Daughter to L’Oréal. Some called it risky. Lisa called it strategic. Today, her brand is still thriving, proving that a Black woman entrepreneur with a vision (and some killer beauty recipes) can build a business empire from nothing but passion, hard work, and a few kitchen experiments.
Sheila Johnson – A Black Woman Entrepreneur Who Built a Business Empire Beyond BET
Not every Black woman entrepreneur stops after one big success. Sheila Johnson? She built a business empire. You might know her as the co-founder of BET (Black Entertainment Television)—the first TV network dedicated to Black culture. But that was just her first business victory. In 2001, she and her then-husband sold BET to Viacom for an impressive $3 billion, making her the first Black woman entrepreneur to reach billionaire status.
But stopping? Not an option. After conquering media, she jumped into the business of hospitality. She founded Salamander Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand expanding across the U.S. Who would expect a Black entrepreneur to transition from television to luxury resorts? Yet, Sheila did. And she didn’t stop—her next business move was even bolder: sports ownership. She became the only Black woman entrepreneur to hold stakes in three major sports teams—the Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), and Washington Mystics (WNBA).
Sheila Johnson proves one thing: a Black woman in business is unstoppable. She built her entrepreneurial journey across industries—media, hospitality, sports—and redefined what it means to be a successful entrepreneur.
Oprah Winfrey – A Black Woman Entrepreneur Who Built a Media Empire
Oprah Winfrey is not just a Black woman entrepreneur—she is a media powerhouse. Starting as a local news anchor, she turned The Oprah Winfrey Show into the most-watched talk show in history. It ran for 25 years, reaching millions daily. But she didn’t stop at TV. She built OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), launched O, The Oprah Magazine, and co-founded Harpo Productions, which produced blockbuster films like The Color Purple.
Her influence in business and entertainment is massive. As an entrepreneur, Oprah became the first Black woman billionaire, with a net worth of over $2.8 billion. She transformed book publishing, making titles from authors like Eckhart Tolle and Michelle Obama instant bestsellers through her Oprah’s Book Club.
Beyond business, Oprah puts millions into philanthropy. She has funded schools for girls in South Africa, donated over $400 million to education, and constantly pushes for Black women in business to break barriers. Her story proves one thing: a Black woman entrepreneur can shape industries, change narratives, and create real impact.
Rihanna – A Black Woman Entrepreneur Who Built a Beauty Empire
Rihanna started as a global music icon, but she didn’t stop there. She saw an opportunity in the beauty industry and launched Fenty Beauty in 2017. The goal? Make makeup for every woman, no matter her skin tone. The result? A game-changer. With 40 foundation shades at launch (now over 50), Rihanna set a new standard for inclusivity in business and beauty.
Her success didn’t end there. She built Savage X Fenty, a lingerie brand that challenged the traditional industry. No more “one-size-fits-all” marketing. Rihanna made sure Black women, plus-size women, and every body type felt represented. And the numbers speak—Savage X Fenty hit a $1 billion valuation in 2021.
Now, Rihanna is one of the richest Black female entrepreneurs, with a net worth of over $1.4 billion. She’s not just an entertainer. She’s a business mogul, proving that smart branding, inclusivity, and innovation can change industries. And let’s be real—when Rihanna does business, the world watches.
Morgan DeBaun – The Black Woman Entrepreneur Who Built a Digital Empire
Morgan DeBaun didn’t wait for opportunities—she created them. As a Black entrepreneur, she saw the gap in media representation and launched Blavity in 2014. The goal? A digital space where Black millennials could connect, learn, and grow. Today, it’s one of the biggest platforms amplifying Black voices, with millions of monthly visitors.
Building a business in media isn’t easy, especially for a Black woman entrepreneur. But Morgan knew how to navigate. She expanded Blavity into a full network—AfroTech, 21Ninety, Travel Noire—covering everything from business, travel, and tech to Black lifestyle and culture.
And let’s talk numbers. AfroTech is now one of the largest Black tech conferences, connecting thousands of entrepreneurs and professionals. Morgan didn’t just start a company—she built an ecosystem where Black business leaders and creatives thrive.
Her impact? More than just media. She’s changing how Black entrepreneurs get funding, visibility, and opportunities. If you want to see what digital success looks like, just watch what Morgan DeBaun does next.
Kathryn Finney – Changing the Face of Tech
Kathryn Finney didn’t just join the tech business—she reshaped it. As a Black entrepreneur, she saw how hard it was for Black women to raise money for startups. So, she did something about it. In 2012, she launched DigitalUndivided, an organization focused on helping Black and Latina women break into the tech scene.
One of her biggest moves? Project Diane—a game-changer. This program uncovered the brutal truth: Less than 1% of venture capital goes to Black women entrepreneurs. That number had to change, and Kathryn made sure it did. She created resources, training, and mentorship to help women in business and tech not just survive but grow.
And she’s not stopping. Her efforts have led to millions in funding for underrepresented founders. If you’re a Black woman in business, trying to build your tech dream, Kathryn’s work has likely opened a door for you.
Tech needs diversity. Kathryn Finney is making sure Black women entrepreneurs don’t just get a seat at the table—they build their own.
Lisa Nichols – Empowering Women Through Motivation
Lisa Nichols wasn’t always a successful entrepreneur. At one point, she had just $12 in her bank account and a son to feed. That moment changed everything. Instead of giving up, she used her story to build something powerful — Motivating the Masses, one of the top personal development businesses in the world.
Her company helps women entrepreneurs turn struggles into success. Whether you’re starting a business, chasing financial freedom, or just trying to believe in yourself again, Lisa’s message is clear—your past doesn’t define your future. And it’s not just words. She’s trained millions of people worldwide, spoken on some of the biggest stages, and worked with companies like Google and Microsoft.
Lisa isn’t just another motivational speaker. She’s proof that Black women in business can rise from rock bottom and build empires. Her books are bestsellers, her impact is real, and her success story? A reminder that no obstacle is too big for a determined woman entrepreneur.
Angela Benton – Bridging the Gap in Tech
Angela Benton is a Black woman entrepreneur who refused to accept the status quo. She saw how Black women in business struggled to get funding, how doors in Silicon Valley stayed shut. Instead of waiting, she built her own path. She founded NewME, a startup accelerator that has helped Black entrepreneurs secure over $47 million in funding.
The tech world has long overlooked Black women entrepreneurs. Venture capital firms? They mostly invest in white, male-led startups. Angela knew Black women in business needed more than just inspiration. They needed capital, connections, and real opportunities. Through NewME, she’s provided mentorship, funding access, and the tools to help women entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses.
Angela’s influence is bigger than numbers. She changed the conversation in Silicon Valley, proving that Black women deserve a seat at the table. Today, investors are watching, and more women entrepreneurs are stepping into the tech world, demanding their space. Angela didn’t just break barriers—she made sure other Black women in business could break them too.
The Impact of Black Women in Business
When a Black woman entrepreneur succeeds, she doesn’t just build her own business—she changes the game for future generations. More Black women in business means more representation, more innovation, and more wealth in communities that have been historically overlooked. It’s not just about success—it’s about rewriting the rules.
Financial independence is life-changing. For Black women entrepreneurs, it means breaking free from economic barriers, creating opportunities, and showing young girls that business is their space too. The success of women-led businesses proves that investing in Black women is not charity—it’s smart economics. Data backs it up. Studies show that startups led by Black women entrepreneurs bring in higher returns per dollar invested compared to the overall average.
Supporting Black women in business leads to economic growth. A 2022 McKinsey report highlighted that increasing investment in Black women entrepreneurs could add billions to the economy. These women are not just running businesses—they are changing entire industries, from tech and beauty to media and finance.
Companies, investors, and governments are starting to realize that backing Black women entrepreneurs is an investment in the future. They are not waiting for change—they are making it happen.
Overcoming Challenges and Building the Future
Being a Black woman in business is no small task. Every step forward comes with extra hurdles—limited access to funding, racial bias, and an underestimation of their leadership potential. Studies show that less than 1% of venture capital funding goes to startups led by Black women entrepreneurs. Imagine pitching a brilliant idea, knowing that the odds are stacked against you before you even walk into the room.
But these women don’t wait for doors to open—they build their own. Crowdfunding, angel investors, and community-driven initiatives help Black women in business bypass traditional funding barriers. Platforms like DigitalUndivided’s Project Diane and Backstage Capital are leading the way, proving that investing in Black female entrepreneurs is not charity, but a smart business move.
The corporate world must do better. Companies can create mentorship programs, invest in diverse startups, and ensure Black women entrepreneurs have a seat at the table. More inclusivity means more innovation. Investors, too, need to rethink their biases—some of the most successful ventures in recent years have been launched by Black women in business.
When the business world supports Black women entrepreneurs, entire industries shift. The next big thing? It’s probably already being built by a Black woman. Will investors and corporations recognize it, or will they miss the chance?
Conclusion
Success of these women is not just personal victories—it’s a shift in how the world sees leadership, innovation, and business. Every Black woman entrepreneur who builds something great breaks another barrier, proving that talent knows no limits.
But it’s not enough to celebrate their achievements. Real change happens when businesses, investors, and communities back these women with funding, mentorship, and opportunities. Want to make an impact? Support Black women in business—buy from their brands, invest in their startups, or simply amplify their voices. Because when these women rise, the entire economy grows with them.