From Vision to Impact: The Story Behind Aprio’s Black Business Forum

In this Q&A with Yelena Epova, Aprio’s Atlanta Office and International Practice Leader, discover what inspired the founding of the Black Business Forum, the key individuals who brought the Forum to life, the positive impact on the Black business community, and future plans to elevate the Forum.

Q: What inspired the creation of Aprio’s Black Business Forum?

Yelena: The inception of the Black Business Forum (BBF) emerged from recognizing the significant presence of successful Black business owners in Atlanta. Through my connections and experiences, I recognized that Black-owned businesses were underrepresented among our clients, despite the large African American population in the Atlanta area. This realization, coupled with a conversation with Professional Services Team Leader and Tax Partner Angela Dotson, sparked the idea for the BBF.

Q: Who are the key individuals behind the founding of the BBF?

Yelena: The founding of the BBF was a collaborative effort involving several key individuals. Aprio’s Angela Dotson; Thomas Scott, Manufacturing and Technology Tax Partner; Cardell McKinstry, Mergers and Acquisitions and Specialty Tax Partner; and Jeff Duncan, Technical Accounting Consulting Services Leader and Advisory Services Partner, were instrumental in bringing the Forum to life. The vision for the BBF was further supported by Dolan Falconer, an Aprio client and well-known nuclear physicist, who provided guidance on shaping the BBF. Each of these individuals brought their unique perspectives and experience, contributing to the foundation of the Black Business Forum and its early success.

Q: How does the Black Business Forum uplift and support Black-owned businesses?

Yelena: The primary goals of the BBF are twofold: to represent Black-owned businesses as clients and to become a top employer for Black students. The BBF supports and empowers Black-owned businesses through a variety of initiatives, including organizing educational events, providing valuable content and information, and facilitating connections with key organizations, such as the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and United Way. The Forum also focuses on building resilient entrepreneurs through philanthropy and volunteering, further enhancing its support for the Black business community.

Q: How does the BBF positively impact the local community and broader business landscape?

Yelena: The BBF has had a profound impact on both the local community and the broader business landscape. The Forum fosters connections through small group gatherings and events, which create opportunities for members to collaborate, share ideas, and build valuable business relationships. The involvement of Black employees as ambassadors has also contributed to career growth and retention, further enhancing the Forum’s positive impact. In addition, by focusing on Black-owned businesses, the Forum has inspired other firms to create similar initiatives.

Q: What does the future look like for the Black Business Forum?

Yelena: Looking ahead, the BBF has ambitious plans for the future, including an expansion to New York and Washington, D.C., as well as continuing to recruit and retain Black employees in leadership and other positions. We are focused on growing the Forum’s network and continuing to support Black-owned businesses through various events and initiatives, ensuring its ongoing impact and success.