The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit blocked the Fearless Fund from giving grants to black-women owned businesses. One local black-woman owned business is Pineapple Eddies Southern Bistro. The owner of the restaurant, Karen Thomas, said she thought it was intriguing to hear about.

"I find it fascinating that this is happening at this stage of the game. I can't imagine that it will stay blocked. We do experience somewhat being shut out of the financial system, when you talk about the ability to secure the funds to start a business, or to level up or stabilize a business,” Thomas said. 

Thomas said there's an extra hurdle to cross when accessing funding for black, women owned businesses.

“We have ourselves having to do extra when it comes to verifying or proving ourselves worthy of funding. So I think in that sense, yes, it’s very unequal,” Thomas said. 

 Another black-women owned business in Erie is Barbs Childcare Center LLC. Over the past 6 years they’ve been in business, director and owner Mary Euell said she worked diligently to find funding and support.

“And not only am I a woman, but I’m a black woman. So, me being a minority woman makes me have to work 2 or 3 times harder than I feel like other business owners. Also, I feel like we have to be creative in our avenues because a lot of minorities may not be aware  of all the financial resources,” Euell said. 

Euell's advice for other minority businesses  — be persistent.  

“I really encourage minority businesses to keep the faith. Just go out there, show up for themselves, keep researching, keep reading books, and keep connecting to those willing and ready to help you,” Euell said.