Business, partnerships, entrepreneurs — (Photo: Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

July 27, 2026

Shegun Otulana To Produce Alabama’s Next Generation Of Tech Companies With ‘Harmony Venture Labs’

The entrepreneur said raising the company's first investment proved to be one of his greatest challenges.

Entrepreneur Shegun Otulana is betting that Alabama can produce the next generation of high-growth technology companies through Harmony Venture Labs, a venture studio he launched after the $1.25 billion sale of his software company, Therapy Brands, Afrotech reports.

Speaking during Sloss Tech in Birmingham in June, Otulana said the venture studio was created to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers common in emerging startup markets, including limited access to venture capital, experienced talent, and industry networks.

Harmony Venture Labs identifies promising business opportunities, co-builds business-to-business software companies, and invests in founders. Although entrepreneurs are not required to be based in Birmingham, many of the studio’s portfolio companies are headquartered there.

Otulana founded TheraNest in 2013 after working in information technology leadership roles. The practice management software platform for mental and behavioral health providers later expanded into Therapy Brands, which was acquired in 2021 for $1.25 billion. According to the outlet, the transaction was Alabama’s largest software acquisition at the time.

The entrepreneur said that raising the company’s first round of investment proved to be one of his greatest challenges.

“It took 9, 10 months to raise the first dollar,” Otulana told the outlet.

“Everybody said no, but a few people said yes, and that was all the company needed to find success.”

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Following the sale, Otulana shifted his attention to building companies instead of operating just one. He said Harmony Venture Labs was designed to serve as a collaborative space where founders can develop businesses, receive operational support, and access investment capital.

“I also wanted it to be this place that you could now use as a place to train other entrepreneurs to go build things,” he said.

The venture studio also works with corporations and institutions to identify business problems that can become startup opportunities before pairing them with internal or external founders to lead new companies.

Harmony Venture Labs has partnered with Innovate Alabama on the $10 million Innovate Alabama Venture Studio and Fund, which supports Alabama-based startups. Companies emerging from the initiative include PackPay, DealTree, and SupplyFlo.

Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama, said the partnership is intended to expand entrepreneurs’ access to funding, talent, and professional connections while helping more companies grow and remain in Alabama.

Otulana said his long-term goal is to help build dozens of successful startups across Birmingham and the broader South, creating a stronger regional technology ecosystem driven by local founders and investment.

estate planning, wealth transfer, probate, — (Photo: Alex Potemkin/Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

July 26, 2026

Why Every Black Family Needs A Legacy Plan Before It’s Too Late

Proactive estate planning can help families build generational wealth while avoiding costly probate and legal battles.

Building wealth is only half the battle. Ensuring that wealth reaches the next generation is just as important. Yet, millions of Americans remain unprepared. According to Caring.com‘s 2025 Wills and Estate Planning Survey, fewer than half of adults have estate planning documents in place, and only 24% have a will—a sharp decline from previous years.

Financial advisors say that lack of preparation can leave loved ones navigating probate, a lengthy and often expensive court process that can delay the transfer of assets, increase legal fees, and expose a family’s financial affairs to the public.

“Having a legacy plan is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your loved ones,” writes J. Burke “J.B.” Howard, the founder, president, and senior financial adviser of Merit Advisors, LLC. “If you can make these consequential decisions now—and get it all down in writing—your family and friends can help avoid the anxiety of having to guess, fight for, or fight over what you might have wanted.”

For many Black families working to build generational wealth, estate planning can help ensure that homes, retirement savings, businesses, and other assets are passed on according to their wishes. A will is often the foundation of an estate plan, allowing individuals to name beneficiaries, appoint an executor, designate guardians for minor children, and leave charitable gifts. However, experts note that a will alone typically does not avoid probate.

Other important documents include a living will, which outlines medical preferences if someone becomes incapacitated, along with healthcare and financial powers of attorney that authorize trusted individuals to make medical or financial decisions when needed.

Experts also recommend keeping beneficiary designations up to date on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts. Payable-on-death (POD) and transfer-on-death (TOD) designations allow many assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries, helping families avoid probate delays and, in some cases, providing tax advantages.

For those with more complex estates, a trust may offer additional benefits. Assets held in a trust generally bypass probate, allowing heirs to receive them more quickly while keeping estate matters private. Revocable trusts can be changed during the grantor’s lifetime, while irrevocable trusts may offer greater tax and creditor protections but require relinquishing control of the assets.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. Whether someone owns a home, has children, or is building a business, putting the proper legal documents in place can help protect loved ones and preserve wealth for future generations. As the advisor noted, “If retirement planning is about creating income for your life, legacy planning is about creating clarity for the people you leave behind.”

debt management, cut expenses — (Photo: wayhomestudio/freepik)

by Sidnee Michelle

July 25, 2026

Credit Card Hardship Programs Could Help Borrowers Avoid Default

Seeking assistance before missing multiple payments can improve the likelihood of qualifying for relief.

Borrowers struggling to keep up with rising credit card payments may qualify for hardship programs that temporarily reduce interest rates, lower monthly payments, or pause payments while they recover from financial setbacks. While these programs vary by lender, financial institutions generally offer them to help customers avoid falling behind on their accounts and ultimately defaulting, CBS News reports.

As inflation, elevated borrowing costs, and growing household debt continue to pressure household budgets, consumer finance professionals say borrowers should contact their credit card issuer as soon as financial difficulties arise. Seeking assistance before missing multiple payments can improve the likelihood of qualifying for relief.

One of the most common forms of hardship programs/ assistance is a temporary reduction in a card’s annual percentage rate, or APR. Lower interest charges allow more of each monthly payment to be applied to the principal balance rather than finance charges. Depending on the lender, reduced rates may remain in effect for several months or for up to a year. Some issuers also suspend new purchases while borrowers participate in a hardship program to prevent balances from increasing.

Lenders may also offer structured repayment plans that reduce monthly payment amounts while establishing a fixed payoff schedule. Other hardship options include temporarily waiving late fees or certain account charges, restoring a lower interest rate after a period of on-time payments, or providing short-term payment deferrals following qualifying events such as job loss, natural disasters, or major medical expenses.

Although deferred payments can provide temporary breathing room, interest often continues to accrue during the payment pause, increasing the total amount repaid over time.

For borrowers whose debt extends beyond a temporary financial setback, additional repayment strategies may be available. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help consumers enroll in debt management plans that consolidate payments while reducing interest rates and certain fees.

Consumers with strong credit may also qualify for balance transfer credit cards offering introductory 0% APR offers or debt-consolidation loans with lower fixed interest rates. Those experiencing severe financial hardship may consider debt settlement, though the process can temporarily damage credit and carry other financial risks.

by Sidnee Michelle

July 25, 2026

Ghana Creative Economy Initiative Takes Flight To Help African Storytellers Go Global

The program offers free public masterclasses, and a Creative Economy Summit to help African storytellers expand their global reach.

African filmmakers, investors, and Hollywood television executives are gathering in Accra this July for the inaugural Ghana Creative Economy Initiative, a program designed to strengthen the continent’s creative industries through professional training, strategic investment, and international collaboration, Deadline reports.

The initiative, which runs from July 14 through July 24, was created by Ghanaian-British producer, film programmer, and creative industries strategist Dorina Amina Abubakar, program director of African Creative TV at the University of Southern California. The program combines an intensive Directing Lab, free public masterclasses, and a Creative Economy Summit to help African storytellers expand their global reach. According to organizers, the effort supports Ghana’s broader ambitions to grow its film, television, and digital media sectors as engines of economic development and international investment.

The Directing Lab, which concludes July 23, brings together eight producer-director teams from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa whose credits include productions for Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime Video. Veteran television director Rachel Raimist and CBS’s “S.W.A.T.” creator Aaron Rahsaan Thomas are leading the 10-day workshop.

Public masterclasses will be held July 20-24 at venues across Accra, including Google Accra and Silverbird Cinemas. Industry leaders Quan Phung, Paul Garnes, and Sidra Smith will lead discussions on project development, pitching, packaging, mobile cinema, micro-dramas, and strategies for bringing African productions to market.

The program’s centerpiece, the Creative Economy Summit, will take place on July 22 at Google Accra. The event will bring together filmmakers, technology companies, investors, corporate executives, policymakers, and cultural institutions to examine how storytelling, innovation, and capital can accelerate growth across Ghana’s creative economy.

“Africa is producing extraordinary creative talent, but the next chapter of growth depends on building stronger professional networks, developing globally competitive projects, and creating meaningful pathways to investment and international collaboration,” Abubakar said in a statement.

She said the initiative is intended to become a long-term platform connecting African creators with global industry leaders, technology companies, and investors.

“We want creatives to leave not only inspired, but better connected, better equipped, and better positioned to compete on the global stage,” Abubakar said in the statement.

Stephen Curry, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Thirty Ink — Stephen Curry at the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Dallas' American Airlines Center in May 2022. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

by Edwian Stokes

July 25, 2026

‘Beyond The Arc’: Stephen Curry Makes History As 1st Active NBA Player With Hall of Fame Exhibit

The Golden State Warriors star sets a new benchmark for Black athlete entrepreneurship and legacy development.

Breaking nearly 75 years of tradition, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has declared a landmark exhibition honoring Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. Titled “Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc,” the gallery is the first in the institution’s history to feature an active NBA player in a dedicated exhibit.

The installation highlights Curry’s journey from an overlooked college prospect with one Division I scholarship offer to a four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, 12-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist.

https://twitter.com/warriors/status/2079635168135156018

A Blueprint For Ownership and Brand Governance

Curry’s milestone is more than a sports achievement; it is a case study in executive leadership, ownership, and strategic brand management. Instead of waiting for post-retirement recognition, Curry developed the exhibit in collaboration with Thirty Ink, his business enterprise.

Black professionals can draw several strategies from Curry’s approach. First, take initiative in shaping your narrative by partnering directly in how your achievements are presented. Second, build strong collaborations with trusted business partners to amplify your influence beyond your primary field. Third, invest in projects that showcase your influence while you are still actively building your legacy, rather than waiting until later in your career.

Thirty Ink oversees Curry’s ventures in media, technology, philanthropy, and corporate partnerships. Noteworthy projects include Unanimous Media, Curry’s multimedia company producing film and television content focused on varied voices; his investment in Slyce, a sports technology platform supporting athletic communities; and partnerships with brands like Under Armour through his Curry Brand line, which expands his influence beyond basketball. The company also leads Eat. Learn. Play., a philanthropic foundation co-founded by Curry and his wife, Ayesha, dedicated to ending childhood hunger and supporting education and active lifestyles. By co-curating his story while still active, Curry provides a model for Black athletes and executives to leverage cultural equity, retain ownership of their stories, and create generational impact.

“The exhibit is designed to explore his multifaceted legacy as a basketball icon, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and family man,” the Hall of Fame stated in an official release shared with The Associated Press.

Hall of Fame President and CEO John Doleva praised Curry’s guidance on and off the court. “Stephen has not only redefined how the game of basketball is played, but he has also set a blueprint for what it means to be an exemplary role model,” Doleva said. “We appreciate his personal involvement in helping bring his story forward to ‘The Vault’ while he is still actively building his legacy.”

Controlling the Narrative While Writing History

Curry, 38, stressed the deliberate nature of the partnership and the cooperative effort that contributed to his success.

“Being part of the Basketball Hall of Fame in this way is hard to put into words,” Curry said in a statement. “When I think about my journey, I think about the people who believed in me, the work that happened when nobody was watching and the moments that shaped me on and off the court. To have that story told while I’m still playing is something I don’t take lightly.”

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According to Fadeaway World, the exhibit includes rare game-worn memorabilia, championship artifacts, archival footage, and personal audio storytelling.

As Curry enters his 18th NBA season, his partnership with the Hall of Fame shows that real disruption means redefining institutional norms, expanding across industries, and shaping your legacy independently.

Home Equity, home — (Photo: Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

July 25, 2026

Black-Led Fintech Company Launches $150 Million Loan Portfolio To Expand Home Improvement

TGUC Financial aims to help underserved homeowners access affordable financing for renovations.

A Black-owned fintech company is working to close the financing gap for homeowners in underserved communities with the launch of a $150 million home improvement loan portfolio.

TGUC Financial, a home improvement financing platform founded by Russell Bryant, announced the new portfolio to expand access to affordable loans for homeowners who have historically struggled to secure financing for repairs and renovations.

“The home-improvement lending market was built to serve people who already have easy access to credit,” Bryant said in a press release. “We built TGUC for the ones it wasn’t built for.”

The portfolio is backed through a partnership between a credit union and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) to create additional lending opportunities for low- and moderate-income borrowers.

Founded in 2023, TGUC Financial offers loans of up to $100,000 for projects such as HVAC replacements, roofing, kitchen remodels, and other home improvements. Through its SmartMatch platform, the company also connects homeowners with vetted, insured contractors while allowing contractors to offer financing services.

Bryant said the company’s mission extends beyond making lending more efficient.

“The technology is a means,” he said. “The point is that a family investing in the largest asset they own gets a fair, fast answer and a clear path—whether or not they fit the prime-borrower box the industry has always drawn around home equity.”

The announcement comes as many Black and low-income homeowners continue to face barriers to affordable credit despite rising home repair costs and the growing need to preserve housing wealth. Community Development Financial Institutions have long played a key role in expanding responsible lending in underserved communities. By combining AI-powered underwriting with personalized customer support, TGUC Financial says it aims to simplify the borrowing process while helping more families invest in their homes and build long-term wealth.

The launch marks another milestone for Black-owned fintech companies developing financial solutions designed to increase economic opportunity and narrow the racial wealth gap.

ON THIS DAY: July 24 In Black History & Enterprise

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 24, 2026

ON THIS DAY: July 24 In Black History & Enterprise

Anthony Johnson was one of the first group of 20 Black indentured servants who bought his freedom.

On July 24, 1651, Anthony Johnson was granted 250 acres of land in Northampton County, Virginia. Arriving in America in 1619 as one of the first group of 20 Black indentured servants, Johnson eventually bought freedom for both himself and his wife. Upon securing his liberty, he went on to become one of the earliest wealthy Black landowners in American history.

Johnson’s life illustrates that in early 17th-century Virginia, racial lines were initially less rigid than they became later in colonial history. During this transitional period, a small number of freed Black individuals were able to acquire property, utilize the court system, and participate in the colonial economy alongside white planters.

by Selena Hill

July 24, 2026

Angela Yee, Allan Houston To Headline Free ‘Community Thru Hoops’ Event In Times Square

The daylong event will bring together youth sports, mentorship, entertainment, and community engagement in the heart of New York City.

Three K3ys Inc. and Pathways to Abundance are bringing basketball, mentorship, and entertainment to the heart of New York City with a free community event designed to empower young people and families.

The organizations announced they will host “Community Thru Hoops” on Monday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Times Square. The all-day event will kick off with a live broadcast of Way Up with Angela Yee on Power 105.1, then transition to youth programming, basketball activities, and family-friendly entertainment.

In addition to the live radio broadcast by veteran broadcaster and entrepreneur Angela Yee, New York Knicks legend Allan Houston will lead a free youth basketball clinic in partnership with FISLL (Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership & Legacy). The clinic will provide elite basketball instruction while emphasizing leadership and mentorship for young athletes. Organizers say the event is designed to unite sports, media, and community partners while creating opportunities for youth engagement.

“Community Thru Hoops represents what is possible when sports, media, business and community unite around a common purpose,” said Tameek Floyd, the CEO of Three K3ys Inc., in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

In addition to the basketball clinic, attendees can enjoy a youth basketball showcase, dunk contest, live DJs, interactive fan experiences, games, prizes, giveaways, and community activations. Local businesses are also expected to participate throughout the day.

Three K3ys Inc. describes itself as a sports, entertainment, and community engagement company focused on creating opportunities through athletics, education, strategic partnerships, and programming that connects sports, culture, and community. Pathways to Abundance, a nonprofit and partner for the event, works to strengthen communities through education, mentorship, wellness initiatives, and economic opportunity. Both organizations hope the free event will not only inspire the next generation of athletes but also connect families with resources and experiences that extend beyond the court.

Howard University, hospital, trauma — (Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

July 24, 2026

500 Howard University Freshmen Were Unenrolled Weeks Before Fall Semester Over Tuition Issues

Incoming students are uncertain about their enrollment status just weeks before classes begin.

Hundreds of incoming Howard University students say they were shocked after receiving notices that they had been unenrolled from the university’s Class of 2030 just weeks before the start of the fall semester.

Students and families say the decision came amid confusion over tuition payments, scholarships, and financial aid processing. Many believed pending scholarships, loans, or other aid would cover outstanding balances and were caught off guard when the university removed their enrollment status. One incoming freshman, Isabella Williams, told ABC 7 News that she had already packed her belongings and was preparing to move from Alabama to Washington, D.C., when she learned she could no longer attend the historic HBCU.

“Never in my life have I been so disappointed,” Williams said in a tearful video posted on Instagram. “Never in my life have I gotten so far and worked so hard for it to be stripped from me on a random Wednesday.”

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Williams said she received two Howard University scholarships totaling $27,000 and believed the remaining balance would be covered once those funds were applied.

“I had two scholarships from Howard University. I had an $11,000 scholarship and a $16,000 scholarship that was directly from them,” she said.

Another incoming freshman, MarLae’ Coffield, said she was devastated after learning she could not attend despite her academic accomplishments.

“I graduated early. I graduated my junior year, and I had a 4.0, and I did all of that just to get into Howard University. And now I can’t go to Howard University,” Coffield said.

Howard University said it had communicated financial requirements and deadlines to incoming students and families throughout the spring and summer through emails, financial aid updates, videos, and Bison Prep sessions.

“Howard University understands the concerns and challenges that students and families are experiencing related to the recent enrollment update for some first-time-in-college students,” the university said in a statement.

The university explained that students who failed to complete required steps — including making tuition payments, setting up approved payment plans, or reporting anticipated scholarships and financial aid — were notified that their enrollment could no longer be held. University officials added that they are reviewing individual cases involving pending scholarships and financial aid applications and will work with affected students to determine next steps.

For many incoming freshmen, the issue represents more than a tuition dispute — it threatens a long-awaited opportunity to attend one of the most prominent HBCU’s in the country. As Howard reviews student cases, families are waiting for clarity on whether their enrollment can be restored before the fall semester begins.

“For us to suddenly be unenrolled from what is most of our dream schools is heartbreaking,” Williams said.