They are home-based, full-time and part-time business owners, entrepreneurs, conscientious consumers, corporate and government workers and others in our commUNITY. They are our real heroes and sheroes.

They have decided, for whatever reason, to not only do good for themselves and their families, but to do right by the community by starting a business. Or as consumers, to work to recycle Black dollars.

Ultimately, they want to be solely responsible for their own destiny and financial well-being and not dependent upon someone else for earning a living or for access to the products/services of their own choosing.

Many have already started and are working to grow a successful business, the right way to provide for themselves, their families and the general community at large. They provide goods and services that are as good, if not better, than the same or similar products/services offered by other groups. They give good quality service at a fair price, while earning a reasonable profit.

As a point of unification and solidarity, many have joined the Black Business Builders Club. Not because we have the best resource, tools, benefits and training to be found anywhere. Not because we have some of the greatest people in the business world associated with us. Not because we have we have been consistently bringing value to the marketplace for a long time; or because of, or in spite of me.

They mainly join us because, membership in the Black Business Builders Club makes a statement. It says, that the member has made a concerted effort and conscientious choice to be identified as a "Black Business Advocate".

They have put their money where there mouth is and decide to be counted among the ranks of those seeking to become a part of the solution and not remain a part of the problem.

They understand the importance of organization and the need to come together in harmony around business, financial and community issues.

They know that they could probably start their own organization but choose rather to join one whose parent organization, the National Black Business Trade Association, has been around for over 16 years. That is nationally and internationally recognized, debt and (mental) disease free.

They want to unify and work with serious (but fun) people who are real everyday folk, but who are about real business. And not just start another, high priced, ego or guru-centric, "me-too" membership website (anyone can do that).

They understand that as solo business owners and entrepreneur there is value in establishing an extended network of contacts and resources.

Together, our goal is to help stem the tide of negative images, stereotypes, rumors and innuendos, that have cast a less than positive light on Black business.

By increasing our membership roles, we want to show that at this point in history, we have reached new heights in this "free enterprise" system.