Sheletta Brundidge, founder and CEO of the podcasting platform and production company ShelettaMakesMeLaugh, is inviting Black business owners to write down their concerns so she can personally deliver them to Washington D.C.

Next week at the nation’s capital, Brundidge will be recognized as a finalist for the National Small Business Association’s Annual Advocate of the Year Award and “I am taking you with me,” she told Black business owners in a video posted on X.

I’m going to DC to get an advocacy award and I’m taking y’all with me. No, I’m not borrowing Mr. Hubbard’s jet. This Saturday at 3 pm at @flavacafemn, you can come write a letter to your legislator about what your small business needs to thrive, and I’ll hand deliver it for you. pic.twitter.com/GmAzRLt9v4

— SHELETTA (@ShelettaIsFunny) September 7, 2023

Brundidge is inviting Black business owners to join her in writing letters to Minnesota lawmakers at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Flava Cafe, located at 623 W. University Ave. in St. Paul.

“I am going to hand deliver each and every letter to Ilhan Omar, Tina Smith, Angie Craig and Dean Phillips to make sure they know what your concerns are,” Brundidge said.

Earlier this year, Brundidge organized the first Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol, which brought in hundreds of small business owners of color who met with legislators to talk about the specific challenges they face.

“It’s shocking but true that eight in 10 Black-owned businesses will fail in the first 18 months and that’s due to historical obstacles to funding,” Brundidge said in a news release. “It’s my mission to enlighten and inform these policy makers about the needs of Minnesota’s Black business owners and the particular obstacles that entrepreneurs of color still face,” she said.

Want to write a letter?

• When: 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9
• Where: Flava Cafe, 623 W. University Ave., St. Paul