Black Business Extravaganza in Berkeley Co. to bring owners together

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) - In honor of Black History Month, the Berkeley County Library Systems are hosting a Black Business Extravaganza on Saturday.

Any local Black-owned businesses are encouraged to sign up and attend to meet other professionals in the industry and to share and brainstorm ideas.

The event organizer, Romona Shaheed, says that many community members do not know these businesses exist and that Saturday can hopefully shine a light on them.

“We hope that it can bring people to the library and that the library is more than just checking out books,” Shaheed says. “We offer all kinds of services, and we hope to be a beacon or even a partner with other businesses here in Berkeley County.”

The owner of Vined Vegan Restaurant, Christian Keith, says if there was an event like this when she started her business, it would have been monumental.

“It would have been good to be with your peers to help navigate you through,” Keith says. “People who may have previous experience to kind of say ‘hey try this, or go here if you need additional funds,’ I definitely think the event that is being hosted is wonderful and could definitely change some lives, especially being black owned and getting that help.”

Eight businesses have signed up so far, but the library is hoping for even more to enroll. The event takes place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkeley County Library in Moncks Corner.

“Hopefully, if all goes well, we can do it again, and we can do it outside of Black History Month and shine on other businesses, not just Black businesses, but other local businesses as well,” Shaheed says.

To sign up for the Black Business Extravaganza, visit the Berkeley County Library Systems website.

“If you have a dream and you are serious about your dream, push forward,” Keith says. “What is the worst that could happen?”

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