4 Steps Black Women Need to Take to Protect Their Business Assets

Proud women everywhere are finally realizing their dreams of owning their own successful businesses.

However, Black female business owners, while steadily increasing in number, still have some serious challenges that pose a risk to their efforts if not appropriately countered with firm action.

Consider four steps Black women should take to protect their business assets in today’s evolving world.

Choose a Safe Building for Your Business

Choose a safe location for the business you envision. This can be difficult for women in general, and Black women still often find important doors closed to them due to discrimination, fear, or other reasons.

Investigate any potential location’s crime rates and specific safety challenges. Take advantage of existing community watch programs, or start one on your own. If possible, form an alliance with the local police and avail yourself of any other community services. Talk with other nearby business owners to learn how they are dealing with neighborhood safety issues.

Install Physical Security

The right surveillance solution can make all the difference. There are times when your property will likely be totally deserted, unless you’re open 24/7. During these times, a live video monitoring surveillance system that only comes online when it detects a potential threat may be the best surveillance solution available, no matter what type of business you run. Get expert advice on recommended security equipment.

This also includes services that deal with locks, alarms, and access safety options. These consultations are worth the time and effort, and no Black woman running her own business should skip this physical security step.

Keep Abreast of New Threats

Keep your eyes and ears open. Become an integral part of your neighborhood, and stay in close contact with others around you. This includes your nearby police station.

Being aware is the biggest countermeasure that a woman in business can take. Follow up any potential new threat, and enhance safety measures if appropriate.

Join a Community of Support

It can dramatically help Black women who run their own businesses to join a community of support. Link up with other women in your business district and throughout town.

Churches, community-related women’s groups and others are good resources of added support. Some areas have associations of women or minority business owners. If you can’t find one, start one. There is safety in numbers.

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These are basic steps Black women can take to protect themselves and the businesses they create from threats, even those that are racially motivated.

Women can indeed be part of the solution. Through education, resilience and standing strong together, they can protect their business assets, persevere, and succeed.