Revive! Omaha Magazine was launched in 2008.  One of the original goals was to highlight and support Black businesses.  In 2013, co-publishers Willie and Yolanda Barney, launched the Revive! Black Business Luncheon to help support the launching, building and growing of successful Black businesses.  They started by inviting a small group of entrepreneurs to join them on the journey.

Since that time over 350 black owned business owners, entrepreneurs and supportive organizations have participated.  The monthly luncheon is held the 4th Friday of each month and has moved into the Revive Center located at 24th and Lake.

The Black Business Luncheon also served as a launching pad for the Revive! Black Business Network and Revive! Black Business Guide and Directory.

Another part of the vision was to partner with the Empowerment Network and OEDC to become catalysts for the rebirth of 24th and Lake as a strong Black business district including arts, culture, entertainment and more.  That vision is well on its way to becoming a reality.

New businesses and venues have joined in at 24th and Lake Street with more developments on the way.  Willie and Yolanda started by encouraging other businesses to open in the Village at 24th and Lake and made the commitment over the past few years to launch their own businesses there including the Revive Center and the Carver Legacy Center.  They have helped to convene over 30 businesses and venues at 24th and Lake, now working together to accelerate development and growth in the area.

Revive! also partners with the Empowerment Network to host the Revive Black Business Expo at the Network’s annual African-American Leadership Conference. It is one of the largest gatherings of Black businesses in the region.

Revive has also hosted workshops, summits and special events specifically for black business owners and entrepreneurs. Speakers have included local, regional and national entrepreneurs and business owners.

Willie and Yolanda have also assisted dozens of entrepreneurs with launching, expanding and enhancing their business.  Over their careers, they have assisted hundreds of businesses with growth strategies, advertising, marketing, communications and events.

They are incredibly excited to see many of the businesses that have participated in the luncheon, expos and workshops are now growing and expanding their businesses and organizations.

Big things are on the horizon for the Revive Black Business Network.

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Michael Young founded Technology Consulting Solutions in 2017. With over 22 years in the technology and management consulting industry, Michael continues to grow as a highly motivated, entrepreneurial technology professional with extensive experience as a customer-focused leader. With a focus of business analytics and process improvement, he has developed an outstanding ability to translate business needs into technical solutions that dramatically improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

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Casanova Brooks is an award-winning real estate agent, speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Along with achieving high-level success in the real estate industry, as well as various marketing and sales roles, he has figured out the steps to truly build meaningful relationships and make any dream become a reality. Casanova now focuses on helping others develop their mindset to build meaningful relationships and consistent habits to succeed in life and business.

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