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Black Entrepreneurs Meet to host its second Annual Melanated Merch Fest.

The vendor market will be held on September 23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lilypad on Main.

The market gives the community a chance to shop from black and locally owned businesses. There will be sweet treats, home goods, beauty products and much more sold at the fest.

“We are aiming to promote local black owned businesses and encourage folks to shop locally. We strive as an organization to assist our network of businesses in getting their name out there and make their presence known,” said BEM Cofounder Victoria Burnside.

Compared to last year, the event has a more convenient location and also has a variety of products sold so there is something for everyone.

“This year we are hosting in Morristown on Main Street where there is easier access and more foot traffic,” Burnside said. “We are also ensuring there is diversity in the goods being sold ensuring that there is something for everyone.

“Jeep Fest as well as the Men of Visions Boys to Men banquet is on the same day in close proximity, so it is a day that’s a lot of things happening in the area.”

Among the business present, includes: Country Spice, She’s one of a Kind Boutique, Intricate Beauty, Infinitely Yours, WaterIce & Thangz, Concessions for a Cause, RYDE Dance Studio, Sue B Cakes, Fearfully Beautiful Soaps and more, Sweet Thangz, Pretty Hustlers Beauty Bar and more.

Burnside explained that it’s important to invest in local business and uplift minority business owners.

“It is important to invest in our neighbors, invest in the legacies and futures of families and their generations to come, it is important to uplift our community of people of color within our overall community and no longer be separate communities, but serve and fellowship as one community,” she said. “Creating spaces and opportunities for businesses of color to be equally successful as those that are not owned by people of color is extremely important.”

Black Entrepreneurs Meet is a local organization, cofounded by Burnside, consists of Black professionals, business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs aiming to break stereotypes and generational mistakes.

“Myself and my cofounder George Cunningham Jr started this organization in hopes to unite the black community opposed to in the past enabling the ‘crab in a barrel’ mentality,” Burnside said. “Both of us have traveled and returned home to find that a voice that used to ring loudly throughout our community had been muffled.”

Burnside highlighted the need of having such an organization to help connect consumers with black owned businesses.

“As an artist I was also hopeful to meet other black artists but didn’t know who, where to ask,” Burnside said. “So I thought what if there was a directory for all of the local black owned businesses.”

“On our website you can find a black pages directory with a list of local businesses sorted by service category. We add businesses and professionals to our network for no charge, that’s right it’s free, to provide a central location for patrons to locate and learn about local service providers”

“It is important to highlight black businesses during Black History Month but should be something we do all year every year. Our goal is to encourage fellow black business owners to support one another as well as all business owners and our whole community to support one another shop locally and give life to legacies for generations to come.”

Burnside said although the organization highlights black owned businesses, it is open to all people of a variety of backgrounds.

“I do want people to know that Black Entrepreneurs Meet is not titled this way to exclude any other race or culture but to highlight and serve the smaller community within our overall community and celebrate the victory that it is to be a black owned business.”

The organization not only promotes business, but also works to help members in the community through their acts of service.

In February the organization partnered with Friends BBQ and served hot meals to families in need in both Morristown and Jefferson City.

“We have participated in winter clothing drives, and participated in other local events that give back to the community,” Burnside said.

“Friends BBQ’s very own Chef Dickey prides himself on serving the community and giving wherever there is a need. The event was to share a hot meal, fellowship, and support to all those who come.”

Since the beginning of the year, Black Entrepreneurs Meet has been working on goals to help them further their mission.

“Our network has grown and continues to expand weekly in the number of businesses that we have on our directory and are involved in collaborations and partnerships,” Burnside said. “BEM has begun the process of filing for our 501 C3 and has continued to support businesses, and events within four communities across the Smoky Mountain Region.”

For more information about Black Entrepreneurs Meet visit the organization’s website.

“We are open to ideas, suggestions, and new connections,” Burnside said.