The Grammy-nominated rapper has announced the launch of Snoopsicle, a new frozen dessert from his Dr. Bombay Ice Creambrand that is rolling out at select Costco locations nationwide. The frozen treat comes in a 24-count variety pack and retails for approximately $14.99, reports USA Today.
With just 60 calories per bar, Snoopsicles are the latest addition to Snoop’s expanding food and beverage business, which has evolved into one of celebrity culture’s most recognizable consumer brands with catchy promotional slogans like “Pop It While It’s Hot!”
The launch builds on the rapid growth of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream, the hip-hop-inspired frozen dessert company Snoop co-founded with his son, Cordell Broadus, who serves as the brand’s creative director. Since debuting at Walmart in 2023, the company has expanded into 7-Eleven stores, opened its first seasonal retail location along the Venice Beach Boardwalk in Los Angeles, and recently welcomed rapper Lil Baby as a co-founder and investor, according to People.
The brand has differentiated itself with bold flavors inspired by West Coast culture and ’90s nostalgia, including Iced Out Orange Cream, Sticky Caramel Apple, Tropical Sherbet Swizzle, and Baked Blueberry Muffin. The company says the goal is to reimagine traditional frozen desserts through music-inspired branding and unique flavor combinations.
For Snoop, whose business interests span spirits, breakfast foods, pet products, cannabis, fashion, and media, the Costco partnership represents another step toward transforming his personal brand into a diversified consumer products empire. The Snoopsicle launch also underscores the growing influence of celebrity-founded food brands as retailers continue trying to attract loyal fan bases.
Redemption Bank Launches Debit Card To Expand Economic Opportunity For Single Mothers
Bank King Card by Redemption Bank is an ode to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tishaura O. Jones knows what it’s like to be the sole breadwinner of her family, and the importance of having financial help along the way.
“When you solve the problems of Black single mothers, you solve everybody’s problems because there aren’t too many problems that Black single mothers experience that everybody doesn’t experience,” said Jones, the former mayor of St. Louis and single mom of a teenage son. “We all want the same things. We all want our children to be healthy, to be educated. We want to live in safe neighborhoods. We want to be able to provide whatever our children need.”
And now, other moms like Jones will have “a moment to dream and a moment to breathe,” thanks to a new effort by one of the nation’s few Black-owned banks. On Juneteenth, Redemption Bank launched Bank King Card, a first-of-its-kind banking platform designed to advance economic opportunity and support families in moving from poverty to possibility. When consumers open a debit card at Redemption Bank, a portion of the profits will fund the newly established Redemption Foundation, which helps women and children with basic income needs.
“Bank King Card represents a new regenerative banking model that starts with investing in mothers who are a few hopeful dollars away from breaking out of poverty and opening up America’s vaults of opportunity that have been closed to too many for too long,” said Ashley Bell, chairman and CEO of Redemption Holding Company. Redemption Bank is one of the nation’s newest Black-owned banks and the first Black-owned bank headquartered outside a historically underserved community.
Bank King Card includes both debit and credit card options and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The debit card is currently available, and the credit card will soon follow, according to Redemption Bank, adding that the credit card offers a more affordable alternative to many traditional cards.
Customers pay nothing extra, nor are they asked to donate more or spend more. They are simply asked to make a different and intentional choice about where they bank. Anyone in any state can bank with Redemption, bank officials said.
Helping Mothers Plan for the Future
One of Redemption Foundation’s inaugural partners will be the Georgia Resilience and Opportunity (GRO) Fund and its guaranteed income program, In Her Hands. It serves women in urban, suburban, and rural communities across Georgia, providing unrestricted, direct cash support to participants. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including childcare, transportation, housing, education, healthcare, and other priorities that help create long-term stability and mobility.
“What we found is that, generally, people are making the right financial choices. Simply, the expenses don’t add up to what’s incoming,” said Hope Wollensack, founding executive director of the GRO Fund. “So that additional buffer gives some really critical breathing room.”’
Wollensack noted that having a financial buffer allows women to handle health and wellness expenses, which supports their overall mental health.
“This program helps people plan for the future,” she said, noting that In Her Hands provides guaranteed income to women for two to three years. “And so, they’ve got a little bit of spaciousness to start thinking about–within the program–what they want to do next; whether there’s a career move that makes sense for them, whether there’s some post-secondary education or certification that makes sense for them, or whether it’s starting a small business.”
Continuing Dr. King’s Legacy
Bank King Card’s name is intentionally inclusive of the work and legacy of the late Civil Rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
His daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King, serves as senior vice president of Redemption Bank, noting that the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to addressing poverty and expanding economic opportunity.
“Economic opportunity must be practical, accessible, and rooted in the needs of families,” King stated. “Bank King Card is an innovative way to support that work. It creates a practical opportunity for people to align their financial choices with their values while supporting mothers, children, and families working toward long-term stability.”
The GRO Fund is a new organization, begun roughly five years ago, said Wollensack, and it was “started out of listening to the voices of residents in Atlanta,” particularly in the old Fourth Ward community where, she said, “deep inequality exists.” It is also where Dr. King was born and where he and his wife, Coretta Scott King, are buried. The guaranteed-income, no-strings-attached program has served about 1,000 women and their children in Georgia, said Wollensack, and the program name is an ode to Dr. King.
“He wrote in his final book that the ‘dignity of the individual will flourish when matters concerning his life are in his hands, when he knows his income is certain and stable.’ And part of his enduring legacy is that idea of a basic income or a guaranteed income,” Wollensack said. “And so, we’ve been able to bring that to life through the In Her Hands program. And similar to Mayor Jones, we have seen really incredible impacts from a program like this.”
Jones is the treasurer of the Redemption Bank board and holding company. This new initiative by Redemption is similar to a model she has seen in action via other guaranteed basic income programs, including one she started in St. Louis, Missouri, guaranteeing $500 a month for 18 months to nearly 550 single mothers.
“And so, this ties in directly with Dr. King’s dream of silver rights,” Jones told BLACK ENTERPRISE, “attacking silver rights to making sure that our families can economically thrive.”
Healthcare Coverage Drops By 5M After Medicaid, ACA Rollbacks
The decline follows the expiration of pandemic-era federal policies that expanded health coverage and reduced insurance costs.
More than five million Americans lost health insurance coverage through Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplaces between early 2025 and early 2026. This issue is raising concerns about access to care for millions of low- and middle-income households across the United States, NBC News reports.
The decline follows the expiration of pandemic-era federal policies that expanded health coverage and reduced insurance costs. Researchers found that combined enrollment in Medicaid and ACA marketplace plans fell by approximately 5.1 million people nationwide over the past year.
Much of the drop stems from continued Medicaid disenrollments after states resumed eligibility reviews following the end of the federal continuous enrollment requirement on March 31, 2023.
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program enrolled about 77.7 million people as of June 2025, down 18% from March 2023 levels, according to KFF. As states completed eligibility redeterminations, millions of beneficiaries were removed from the program.
At the same time, ACA marketplace enrollment declined after enhanced federal premium subsidies expired on Dec. 31, 2025. Open enrollment for 2026 coverage ended with approximately 23.1 million sign-ups, down from roughly 24.2 million a year earlier, according to federal enrollment data.
Health policy analysts say rising costs played a significant role in the enrollment decline. A KFF analysis released May 19 projected that ACA enrollment could ultimately fall by nearly five million people in 2026 as consumers face higher premiums and deductibles.
The report found average monthly premium payments increased by about $65, while deductibles rose by more than $1,000.
“No matter how you slice it, people are paying more,” Cynthia Cox, a KFF vice president and co-author of the analysis, told The Associated Press.
Enrollment losses arrive as lawmakers continue to debate the future of federal healthcare funding and insurance subsidies such as Medicaid. Health policy experts warn that further declines in coverage could increase the number of uninsured Americans, particularly among working families who earn too much to qualify for substantial subsidies yet struggle to absorb higher insurance costs.
Middle market companies are the engine of the economy, yet too many stall just as real growth comes within reach. The difference between those that break through and those that plateau is not luck; it is disciplined finance, stronger leadership, sharper market focus, and reliable access to capital. The strongest firms also build inclusive teams, diverse supplier networks, and strategies that create lasting value for owners, workers, and communities.
The growth ceiling hits when a company outgrows startup instincts but lacks the systems to scale without costly mistakes. At this stage, momentum can quickly turn into risk.
The path forward is clear: Stronger data, better people, trusted partners, and consistent execution backed by the right capital.
What Are Middle Market Companies?
Middle market companies sit between small firms and large corporations. The U.S. middle market is a major economic force with millions of jobs and a large role in private-sector activity.
Definitions vary. Some groups use revenue. Others use enterprise value, employee count, or growth stage.
The practical meaning is simple. These companies have outgrown startup habits. They now need:
Stronger systems
Deeper management
Better controls
They often operate across multiple regions or product lines, requiring more coordination than smaller firms. As they scale, they must balance agility with structure to remain competitive.
What Are the Biggest Challenges for Middle Market Companies?
The main business challenges include weak systems, talent gaps, limited capital access, and unclear growth plans. Data quality, finance technology, reporting, and talent training are key priorities.
Growth can expose hidden problems:
A company may have loyal customers but no clear forecast.
A founder may have strong instincts but no bench of leaders.
Operations may struggle as sales grow.
Common pressure points include:
Cash flow visibility
Hiring
Retention
Disconnected tools
Supplier risk
Succession planning
These issues can hit minority-owned firms harder when networks, capital, and advisory support are uneven.
Build Growth Strategies Around the Core Customer
Strong growth strategies start with customer clarity. Leaders should know:
Market expansion can create new revenue, but poor timing can drain cash. Leaders should study demand, competition, staffing, and delivery capacity before entering a new region or customer segment.
Value can come from consolidation, infrastructure modernization, and strategic partnerships in specialized markets. Expansion should be tied to real advantages, not excitement alone.
Inclusive expansion also matters. Diverse suppliers and community partners can open doors in markets that larger firms may overlook.
Invest in Leadership Development, Culture, and Technology
Leadership development is central to middle market success. Founders often build the first stage through grit. The next stage needs managers who can lead teams, build systems, and make sound decisions without constant owner approval.
McKinsey’s research on ownership transitions shows why leadership pipelines matter. Strong leadership can protect jobs, preserve community businesses, and widen ownership opportunities for Black, Latino, and women buyers.
Also, AI can support mid-market value, but weak data and low readiness can slow results. Leaders should begin with use cases tied to:
Revenue
Savings
Service quality
Diverse leadership is not a public relations goal. It is a business strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Minority Entrepreneurs Move Into the Middle Market?
Minority entrepreneurs can move toward the middle market by building repeatable revenue, clean financial records, and strong management teams. Relationships also matter.
Owners should connect with accountants, lenders, attorneys, buyers, supplier diversity leaders, and peer groups before a major capital need appears. Preparation creates more options when growth arrives and improves negotiating power. Mentorship and participation in industry networks can also accelerate learning and open doors to new opportunities.
Why Does Access to Capital Matter So Much?
Access to capital affects hiring, equipment, technology, inventory, acquisitions, and expansion speed. A strong company may still stall when funding is too expensive, too slow, or unavailable. Leaders should compare financing options early and keep records investor-ready.
Good planning can help owners avoid rushed decisions and protect control. Consistent access to funding also allows businesses to act fast when strategic opportunities arise.
How Does DEI Support Business Growth?
DEI supports growth by widening the talent pool, improving cultural insight, and helping firms serve more markets with credibility. Inclusive hiring and supplier practices can strengthen community trust. They can also help companies build teams that understand:
Different customer needs
Buying habits
Communication styles
Strong DEI work should include:
Promotion paths
Fair vendor access
Leadership accountability
Measurable goals tied to business outcomes
Companies that prioritize DEI often see stronger innovation and long-term resilience.
Unlock Success for Middle Market Companies With Smarter Action
The middle market companies are capable of growth when leaders combine vision with structure. Strong systems, clear growth strategies, steady financial planning, careful market expansion, and consistent leadership development can help firms face change with confidence.
Success also depends on access. More inclusive capital, stronger advisory networks, and better ownership pathways can help African American entrepreneurs and other diverse founders turn strong businesses into lasting institutions.
Keep learning, keep planning, and explore our other guides and articles for more practical business, finance, leadership, and entrepreneurship insights.
Sheila Johnson co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1980 and helped shape the growth of Black media through her role as an owner. Johnson diversified her portfolio by buying luxury hotels, real estate and sports franchises. Johnson became the first Black woman to own shares in three major Washington sports teams, the WNBA Mystics, the NBA Wizards, and the NHL Capitals. She is the first Black woman to achieve billionaire status: (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)
Billionaire Sheila Johnson’s Flagship D.C. Hotel Is In Talks To Rebrand As A Marriott Property: Report
The potential move would mark another major chapter for the BET co-founder’s luxury hospitality brand, Salamander Washington DC.
Billionaire entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, the founder and CEO of Salamander Collection, a luxury hotel and hospitality company, is reportedly in discussions to rebrand the Salamander Washington DC as a Marriott property, according to the Washington Business Journal.
The 373-room hotel, located along the city’s Southwest waterfront near the National Mall and Tidal Basin, has operated under the Salamander name since September 2022. Johnson and London-based private equity real estate firm Henderson Park acquired the former Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C., for $139 million before relaunching it as the flagship property in their luxury hotel portfolio. If completed, the deal would bring the hotel under one of Marriott International’s luxury brands while the property remains open to guests. Financial terms and a timeline for the potential transition have not been disclosed.
The reported move would represent a significant pivot for Johnson, whose Salamander Collection has spent the past several years expanding its footprint in luxury hospitality. Founded in 2005, the company now operates a portfolio of high-end resorts and hotels across Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Jamaica, and Anguilla.
The Washington property marked Salamander’s debut in the nation’s capital and underwent an extensive renovation after Johnson’s acquisition. The transformation included redesigned guest rooms and public spaces, an expanded spa, and the opening of acclaimed chef Kwame Onwuachi’s restaurant, Dōgon, which has earned national recognition since its debut in 2024.
Neither Salamander Collection, Henderson Park, nor Marriott International has publicly confirmed the negotiations. However, if finalized, the rebranding would end the presence of the Salamander name in Washington less than four years after Johnson introduced the brand to the city.
Johnson, who co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET) with her then-husband Bob Johnson, made history as America’s first Black female billionaire following the sale of the network to Viacom in a multibillion-dollar deal. Since then, she has continued to diversify her business empire through investments in hospitality, sports, entertainment, and real estate. Her net worth is estimated at approximately $850 million, according to Billionaires Africa. She is also the only Black woman to be a part-owner of three professional sports franchises simultaneously, including the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals, and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.
Recent Supreme Court Decision Raises New Concerns About Voting Rights
Advocates warn the decision further weakens protections for minority voters and limits pathways for challenging voting restrictions.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a challenge to Arkansas’ restrictions on who can assist voters at the polls — a move voting rights advocates say further weakens the federal Voting Rights Act and narrows legal action for combating discrimination at the ballot box.
The court’s decision leaves in place a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit that upheld Arkansas’ law limiting voter assistance and concluded that private individuals cannot sue under Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act, a key provision designed to help voters who need assistance because of disability, illiteracy, or limited English proficiency.
According to NPR, the Supreme Court’s refusal to review the case means a lower-court ruling will stand in the states covered by the 8th Circuit, which include Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The decision represents another setback for voting rights advocates already grappling with a series of recent rulings that have narrowed protections under the landmark 1965 law.
“There’s no voting rights enforcement because this administration is hostile to voting rights, so they won’t be doing any enforcement of [the] Voting Rights Act,” said Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz, reports the Arkansas Advocate.
The case stemmed from a challenge brought by advocacy groups and voters who argued that Arkansas’ restrictions conflicted with Section 208, which allows voters requiring assistance to receive help from a person of their choice, with limited exceptions. The 8th Circuit sided with Arkansas, ruling that only the U.S. Department of Justice—not private citizens—can enforce that provision.
Voting rights advocates view the decision as another step in the erosion of federal voting protections. Sophia Lin Lakin, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Voting Rights Project, called the Supreme Court’s decision “deeply disappointing” and warned it would make it harder to challenge voting barriers that disproportionately affect minority communities.
On the other hand, supporters of the ruling argued that the decision helps states prevent voters from being influenced at the polls.
“This law is a common sense measure,” said Samantha Boyd, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office. “One individual who is not a poll worker helping more than six different people vote places an unnecessary risk of undue influence in the system, and we support the Supreme Court’s decision.”
NPR reported that the case centers on a broader legal question of whether private citizens are authorized to sue under provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Civil rights organizations argue that private enforcement has long been essential because federal officials cannot pursue every alleged violation nationwide. One voting rights advocate told NPR that private lawsuits have been “the primary way” many provisions of the law have been enforced for decades.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene, voting rights advocates are expected to shift their focus to Congress, state legislatures, and the Justice Department as they seek alternative ways to protect vulnerable voters and challenge election laws.
The Massachusetts legislature formed a committee to review a freedom petition by Felix Holbrook and other enslaved Americans. By using the colonists’ own revolutionary rhetoric to expose the hypocrisy of slavery, the petition marked the first time an American governing body formally met to consider systemic emancipation.
The shift comes as women continue launching businesses at historically high rates. Wells Fargo’s 2026 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report found that women own 15.7 million businesses nationwide, representing 40.6% of all firms.
The trend reflects changing attitudes about career advancement as many women weigh the benefits of entrepreneurship against challenges that persist in traditional workplaces, including pay disparities, limited leadership opportunities, and demands on work-life balance.
Forbes contributor Melissa Houston argued that entrepreneurship is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for women seeking greater control over their professional and financial futures.
“Women are no longer waiting for permission to advance,” Houston wrote, noting that business ownership allows women to create opportunities independent of corporate promotion structures.
Advocates of entrepreneurship say ownership can offer advantages beyond income, including schedule flexibility, autonomy, and the potential to build generational wealth. The outlet found that many women entrepreneurs identify freedom, purpose, and legacy-building as the primary reasons they choose to start businesses.
Women-owned businesses continue to face challenges securing capital and scaling operations. Houston noted that fewer than 2% of women-owned businesses generate more than $1 million in annual revenue, underscoring ongoing obstacles related to funding, mentorship, and access to growth resources.
Industry advocates say addressing those gaps could unlock substantial economic opportunities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women-owned firms contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy and employ millions of workers nationwide.
As more women pursue entrepreneurship, experts say continued access to capital, education, and business development resources will play a critical role in determining whether the recent surge in business formation translates into sustained growth and long-term wealth creation.
‘Happy Ice’ Becomes 1st Black-Owned Dessert Brand With Permanent Downtown Disney Location
The opening coincided with Juneteenth, adding symbolic significance to the milestone for the growing brand.
Happy Ice, a Black-owned Philadelphia-style Italian water ice company founded by entrepreneur Lemeir Mitchell, opened a permanent location at Downtown Disney District on June 19, becoming the first Black-owned dessert business with a permanent presence at the Disneyland Resort destination, Afrotech reports.
The new Anaheim location marks the latest expansion for Happy Ice, which Mitchell launched as a Los Angeles food truck in 2017 before growing the business into multiple storefronts and event-based operations across Southern California. The company specializes in Philadelphia-style water ice, a frozen dessert rooted in Philadelphia’s Italian American communities and traditionally made with fruit, water, and sugar.
The Downtown Disney cart features Happy Ice’s first fully all-natural menu, including handcrafted water ice made with real fruit and pure cane sugar. Guests can also purchase JOY-LATI, a layered dessert that combines Italian ice, vanilla sweet cream, fruit, and toppings.
“I grew up a huge Disney kid, so opening Happy Ice at Downtown Disney is truly a full-circle moment,” Mitchell said. “I started this business to bring people together and to create lasting memories through desserts that make people smile.”
Mitchell added that the company was built around “happiness, hospitality, and community,” values he said align with the family-focused atmosphere of Disney.
The opening reflects the company’s continued growth from a single food truck into a recognized frozen-dessert brand. Happy Ice first appeared at Downtown Disney through temporary activations before securing a permanent location in the shopping and entertainment district.
To celebrate the grand opening, the company offered promotional giveaways to early customers. The location is expected to operate daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For Mitchell, the Downtown Disney debut represents another step in a business journey that began with introducing a Philadelphia favorite to Southern California and has since evolved into one of the region’s fastest-growing independently owned frozen-dessert brands.
David Grain crosses the 1% threshold to magnificent wealth. And this is his journey!
David Grain is among the elite African Americans on planet Earth. In just under 20 years since starting his private equity firm, Grain Management, Grain is ranked among the world’s richest people. He’s in the company of Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé, not to mention Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett, and Larry Ellison.
Forbes listed Grain as one of 989 U.S. billionaires with a net worth of $2.3 billion. Grain was honored three years ago at the 2023 XCEL Summit for Men with the Earl G. Graves Sr. Vanguard Award. BLACK ENTERPRISE introduced the world to Grain with a video tribute that captures an exciting moment for the billionaire. As we gear up for the 10th anniversary of the XCEL Summit for Men, take a look at how David Grain got started on his course. Perhaps he’ll inspire you to do the same. Who knows? In another 20 years, you just might be the next Black billionaire featured, too.
