Mississippi couple named Minority Business Champions

    Tony and Elizabeth Reimonenq of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, are the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2023 Minority Small Business Champions of the Year.  The Reimonenqs will accept the state award on Thursday, along with other winners and top lenders during the annual National and Small Business Week celebration at The Westin Hotel, in Jackson, Mississippi.

   As founders of the Linked Up Economic Empowerment Center, the Reimonenqs are recognized for their commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for minority business owners, and their achievement as small business owners who have experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a business.

   “Their hard work, innovative ideas, and dedication to their community has made them a

success,” said Janita Stewart, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “We’re

pleased to be able to recognize them for their achievements.”

   The duo started Linked Up Inc. in 2017 to close the wealth gap by providing free financial

education, opportunities for homeownership, entrepreneurship, and access to mainstream

banking.

   Good Morning America recently reported the Reimonenqs’ work with Linked Up Inc. led to

their purchase of a 20-unit strip mall now used as a business incubator. The Greenwood Plaza

inspired by the former Greenwood District of Tulsa, OK (Black Wall Street), helps to increase

the number of minority-owned businesses and the economic output of African Americans by

providing affordable office and retail space.

   In Black Enterprise, Stewart identified the Linked Up Inc. as a major component in nurturing

local ventures.

   “Having a resource center to help someone start a business or grow an existing one situated

under the same roof is a great asset,” says Stewart. “Small businesses and entrepreneurs need

various resources to do what they do best, which is to create, make, sell something, or provide a

viable service.

   “When small businesses succeed, so does the economy,” said Stewart.    

   For small business assistance and to learn more visit LinkedUpEmpowermentCenter.org,   4906 Old Highway 11, Hattiesburg, MS, or email trj@linkedupempowermentcenter.org.  You can also follow Pastor Tony A. Reimonenq Jr., MFC on Instagram at @ReimonenqJr.Tony.