2000 – U.S. Census Confirms Record Black-Owned Business Growth

On June 2, 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau released new data showing that Black-owned businesses had grown by 46% between 1992 and 1997—the fastest growth among all racial groups at the time. This surge was fueled by increased access to entrepreneurship training, community lending initiatives, and targeted government programs. The report, released during the Clinton administration, emphasized the economic resilience of African Americans in the face of systemic challenges. It also revealed gaps in revenue growth and capital access, sparking renewed calls for equity in small business policy. The data marked a turning point in discussions about wealth-building, financial inclusion, and the role of Black enterprise in the U.S. economy. This moment reinforced the importance of supporting and sustaining Black entrepreneurship as a pathway to community upliftment.