National Black Business Month spotlights minority businesses, providing them support

DELAWARE.- What started as a pass time of selling Christmas reefs and brooms out of a friends store, turned into a full business opportunity for Alicia Jones. “When the store closed, I found that I really liked it and I had interest so I went online,” said Jones.

That turned into what you see today, Wedding Brooms By Alicia.

The business keeps the wedding tradition of Jumping The Broom alive by creating custom made brooms for a couples ceremony.

Years ago, enslaved people would jump over the broom to marry since they could not legally wed. “And actually when I do my product I send out a little bit about the history incase they want to put it in the ceremony if they have a bridal party or anything like that,” said Jones.

As we celebrate National Black Business Month, organizations like The Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce say its mission is to support minority businesses owners as the pandemic highlighted many disparities they face. “These businesses were closing down at a higher rate, not because they weren’t innovative or weren’t smart or didn’t have a good product or service, but they lacked resource. They didn’t know where to find them or how to find them,” said CEO/Founder Ayanna Khan.

One of their initiatives is the EnrichDelaware program. The free, statewide program will provide business owners with the tools they need to grow. “So you walk away with the knowledge on strategic planning, finance, marketing, human resources, access in capital which is huge, contracting with government and major corporations, and basic business development strategies,” said Khan.

Jones has been married 43 years and missed the opportunity to jump the broom at her own wedding. “So every time I do a broom of course its like I’m a bride all over again and I’m trying to make the best broom possible for that bride,” said Jones.

And if you in the business of looking for a broom for your special day, Alicia wants you to know it will be one of a kind. “Even if she picks a broom on my website, I always try to add something different, so it is truly unique and it is a custom made broom for her wedding only,” said Jones.

The Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce its one year anniversary on September 17th.

If you’re interested in purchasing a broom for a friend or loved one, you can find Jones’ creations at www.weddingbroomsdesigns.com