Dreams and Visions are becoming reality. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, seventy Black business owners and entrepreneurs convened at our first Revive Black Business Summit of the year. This event was one of our best yet. Networking. Learning. Sharing. Business Exchange. Inspiration. Resources. Funding.

Yolanda and I have hosted these networking, business exchange and capacity-building events for 12 years. We have been blessed to work with over four hundred Black business owners and entrepreneurs in Omaha and hundreds more across the country.

We set a goal 22 years ago to help support, promote, connect, launch, and grow Black businesses. Saturday’s event at the Revive Center at 24th and Lake shows the incredible things happening in Omaha for Black businesses and the ever-increasing possibilities.

The Brookings Institution highlighted a 95% increase in Black Businesses with employees in Omaha.  Our next goal is to help double the number of Black businesses with employees and create over 3,000 more jobs.

On Saturday, we had a number of owners in attendance running multi-million-dollar businesses and others who are at the start-up phase. The sharing of information, contacts and business exchange was real and impactful.

Carmen Tapio, CEO and Founder of North End Teleservices, is a notable example as she launched her business in the face of challenges to access capital even though she came with global experience and had helped others build extraordinarily successful businesses. She overcame those obstacles and now leads the largest Black owned business in the state, creating hundreds of jobs and careers. NET has been recognized as one of the fastest growing businesses in the country.

Tapio highlighted some keys to success:  It starts with faith.  Form partnerships.  Don’t quit.  “If it’s in your heart, if it’s in your spirit, don’t quit!  There is a pathway there for you.  It is not a straight line.”

Raheem Sanders, MPH Sanders, CEO and Managing Partner of PPRP, a national data, research and evaluation firm shared insights on how to grow profits and build community effectively by maximizing AI and data.

Sanders emphasized AI should be used to increase your sales, revenue and profits, not just to save money.  “It should make you even more productive.  Go from 2-3 proposals in a month to 10-20 proposals.”

Keele Taylor MA,PHR,SHRM-CP Taylor, CEO of HR-Minded with 20 years of experience and a growing national client base provided insights for hiring, onboarding, retention and preparing your business for growth and staying compliant while doing so.

“Onboarding starts from the moment you post your position,” said Taylor.  “My job is to help you stay compliant in all areas of HR, not just hiring.”

Candice Price, serial entrepreneur and community builder, co-owner of HomeTeam Auto and several other enterprises, presented strategies to generate multiple streams of income. Growing from an initial investment of $1,750 to co-owning businesses worth millions.

“Partnerships are essential,” said Price.  “And, don’t take no for a final answer.   Don’t let a no shut you down. There are others out there who will help you.”

Phillip McClain, CEO of the Mensch Group provided an overview of the exciting new projects he is working on to build community through innovations in real estate. He is currently leading a $20 million development in North Omaha and has offices in Chicago and cities.

“I’m excited to bring even more innovative developments and options to North Omaha,” said McClain.

We were also blessed to have numerous resource organizations with us providing funding, training and expertise: Carver Legacy Center, Omaha 100, Nebraska Opportunity Exchange, Hayes & Associates and HR-Minded.
Thank you, Carver Legacy, and HR-Minded for helping to sponsor the event.

Our next Summit is coming up March 7th. Learn more at reviveomaha.com. Omaha is on the move. Come grow with us!

Photo Gallery

Step-Up Omaha, a collaborative program of the Empowerment Network, dedicated to providing career exploration, job opportunities, internships, and entrepreneurship avenues for youth and young adults aged 14-21, is pleased to announce that applications for the 2025 summer employment opportunity are now available. The application deadline is March 3.

Step-Up Omaha aims to connect youth and young adults with opportunities for career exploration, internships, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. Since its inception in 2008, Step-Up partners have introduced more than 9,000 young individuals to job training and career pathways. Wages for participants range from $10 to $14 or more per hour, depending on the worksite. Some employers offer interns the potential to earn as much as $3,000 or more during the summer.

The Empowerment Network and its partners have collaborated successfully to present Step-Up Omaha for 17 years, underscoring the commitment to comprehensive youth development. This year’s program is scheduled to run from Monday, June 2 to Friday, Aug. 1.

“As a Step-Up intern, I learned the value of showcasing my talents as a professional,” said Alona Wilson, intern, Heartland ABA. “Within my role as an intern, I learned about various positions and departments, including worker’s comp, employee data analyzing, and account management. Gaining experience in these areas has helped me expand my knowledge base and ultimately prepare me for my dream career in the medical field.”

Step-Up Omaha is a collaborative effort supported by major funders, including the City of Omaha, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development/State Senators LB531, the Obama Foundation and United Way of the Midlands.

“Step-Up Omaha offers our youth the chance to gain invaluable skills and experiences that shape their futures,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder, Empowerment Network. “It shows our talented youth what is possible in their own hometown.”

Press Conference:  KETV

During a recent press conference, Jonathan Chapman, vice president, community collaboratives, Empowerment Network, stated “Our focus is going to be on expanding our partnerships. We’re excited to begin welcoming new partners to the table to begin adapting the program to fit more unique circumstances.”

How to Get Involved
-Youth and Young Adults: Apply online at StepUpOmaha.com to explore career opportunities, receive job training, and develop professional skills.

-Employers: Interested in hosting a Step-Up participant? Visit StepUpOmaha.com/employers to learn more.

“Step-Up Omaha continues to be a cornerstone program for our city, providing invaluable opportunities for our youth to explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and develop leadership skills,” said Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. “This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration between government, businesses, and community organizations. By investing in our young people today, we’re building a stronger, more prosperous Omaha for tomorrow.”

Step-Up Omaha is supported by a collaborative network of funders and employers, including, the American National Bank, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, CHI Health, City of Omaha, Cox Communications, Google, Mutual of Omaha, Nebraska Department of Economic Development and United Way of the Midlands.

Additionally, Step-Up Omaha partners with the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, seeks to positively shift outcomes for boys and young men of color here in Omaha through the implementation of evidence-based practices, which address six MBK milestones, cradle to career, during a young person’s life.

Step Up Omaha is also supported by the following partner agencies: Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Every Youth Can Excel, Girls Inc., Hope Center for Kids and Urban League of Nebraska, as well as their educational partners at Metropolitan Community College and Omaha Public School District.

The Empowerment Network leads the work of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in Omaha (MBK Omaha) as part of a national, cross-sector call-to-action focused on building safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color.

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About Step-Up Omaha
Step-Up Omaha is a program dedicated to providing career exploration, job opportunities, internships, and entrepreneurship avenues for youth and young adults aged 14-21 in Omaha, Nebraska. Since its inception in 2008, Step-Up Omaha has connected thousands of young individuals with valuable job training and career pathways.

About the Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, the Empowerment Network strives to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in the City of Omaha and other national communities.

Shop, Play, Eat, Sing, and Celebrate! 

The Empowerment Network’s 14th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from Noon to 5 PM – was a magical day filled with festive fun for the entire family!

Presented by the Empowerment Network and Omaha Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with dozens of 24th & Lake Partners, Christmas in the Village is a one of one-of-a-kind cultural celebration and the largest holiday event in North Omaha, drawing over 10,000 visitors from across the region!

From the dazzling arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage to the lively entertainment, holiday shopping, and delicious eats – this is the holiday event of the year for North Omaha!

• Christmas in the Village kicks-off with Santa and Mrs. Claus plus all your favorite cartoon characters!

• Live performances by local artists, choirs, and dancers.

• A live nativity scene with real animals (yes, there was a camel there).

• Free carriage rides, toys, face painting, and balloon art!

• Over 30 vendors in the heated Holiday Boutique tent, perfect for holiday shopping.

• Visit the Grinch at Ital Vital Living!

• Delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks!

Attendees enjoyed the holiday boutique, the music, and the family-friendly activities.

Plus, businesses in the district offer special discounts and holiday treats.

Make this your new holiday tradition! With over 70 businesses, organizations, and artists coming together, this will be the BIGGEST and BEST Christmas in the Village yet.  The date for 2025 is Saturday, December 7th!