Carib Biz Network aims to support Black and Caribbean-owned businesses in NYC
For the last four years CBN has helped more than 100 businesses throughout the boroughs including Island Pops.
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June is Caribbean Heritage Month – and the Carib Biz Network is helping dozens of businesses across the boroughs.
For New Yorkers who've walked down Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, most of the businesses you see are supported by Carib Biz Network.
Nicole Grimes is the CEO and founder of CBN. She told News 12 that it was created to give small Black and Caribbean businesses the proper resources to expand and reach their full potential.
"To see people forging a real path and building a legacy for their families and having something that will last beyond their time here," said Grimes.
They host events throughout the year so business owners can connect.
"Because I'm such a proud Trinidadian, I'm so passionate about the work of CBN. I'm always reaching out trying to pass on new ideas, provide inspiration," said Grimes.
For the last four years CBN has helped more than 100 businesses throughout the boroughs including Island Pops.
"We met CBN when we were at that cusp of growing into a bigger brand and step out of…our comfortable space of the Caribbean market," said Khalid Hamid, co-owner of Island Pops.
Island Pops opened up a store front in 2018 but birthed the idea three years before. Khalid said he dedicated everything to this business but having a network like CBN was the extra flavor he needed.
"You're starting off with…a person who understands your voice and understands basically who you are," said Hamid.
CBN'S mission is to connect, foster and develop Black and Caribbean entrepreneurs to make their brands more impactful and successful.
