Houston’s Black Entrepreneurs Are Thriving—But Are Their Businesses Built to Last?

Houston is home to one of the most vibrant Black entrepreneurial communities in the nation, with Black-owned businesses now accounting for up to 4.7% of all local businesses—well above both the Texas and national averages. From 2017 to 2020 alone, the number of Black-owned businesses in Texas surged by an impressive 13.6%, and these firms generated over $141 billion in revenue in 2020, providing employment to more than 1.3 million Texans. The city consistently ranks among the top metros for minority-owned startups, with nearly 5,600 minority-owned startups—about 30% of all new companies—calling Houston home.

But behind this success story lies a critical question: Are these businesses truly built to last?

Despite this remarkable growth, over 70% of Black-owned businesses in Houston lack a formal succession or legacy plan. Without these crucial plans, businesses are at risk of closure or costly legal battles if the owner becomes incapacitated or passes away, threatening to erase years of hard work and generational progress. Only 1 in 5 Black families in Houston pre-plan for funerals or final expenses, compounding the risk of financial hardship for families and communities.

Systemic barriers such as limited access to capital, lower rates of financial planning, and a lack of generational wealth continue to challenge Black entrepreneurs in Houston.While the entrepreneurial spirit is strong, the infrastructure to ensure these businesses endure for generations is still being built.

That’s why Doing Far More LLC, led by Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne, is hosting the Spring Formal—a pivotal event dedicated to empowering Houston’s Black entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to secure their business legacy. As part of the Black Entrepreneur Tour, the event will be held at 23161 Morton Ranch Rd, Katy, TX 77449 and will feature influential voices like Marcus Bowers (CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston), Martel Matthews (co-owner of Black Wall Street), Brittany Hall (owner of La Lutte Empire and La Lutte Bartending), and event sponsor YetundeO (founder and creative director of The UpperRoomEvents).

The evening will also include special experiences: Flume TV and Eyeconic Television will be covering the event alongside Bolanle Media, Chef Shay will present an elegant spread table, and La Lutte Bartending will offer a signature mimosa bar drink crafted especially for Doing Far More.

If you’re an entrepreneur in Houston, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss. Don’t let your business become a statistic. Secure your spot at the Spring Formal and join a community committed to building generational wealth and lasting legacies. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne at 832.745.1114 or email info@doingfarmore.com

Let’s ensure Houston’s Black-owned businesses don’t just thrive today, but are truly built to last for generations to come.