WHO ARE WE?
BDI is an influential community-centered organization that provides ACCESS to both consumers and businesses primarily in the underserved and under-represented areas of Indianapolis.
We focus on real-time referrals to the consumer and advertising space for aspiring and existing small black-owned businesses.
We serve as a liaison between city programs, media outlets and organizations whose goal is to assist with small black business expansion efforts, reduce the tension within our communities and instill forward thinking educational opportunities.
BDI also prides itself in their face-to-face interaction with the community via networking events designed to create VISIBILITY through podcast interviews and live reviews in what some might call 'invisible' areas of the city.
GOALS
Collaborate with local agencies, prominent business owners and media outlets in positions of impact to expand the black opportunity by referring small black owned businesses and consumers into those spaces
Provide ad space and educational opportunities via a mobile experience
Develop a "Prep & Access" learning space for those interested in starting a business
Offer scholarships that will help move small black-owned businesses from "Hustle to Heights"
ABOUT US
What You Need to Know
BDI is actively being used by over 43 thousand residents in Indiana, Atlanta, Florida, Chicago and Ohio. BDI has created the exposure black businesses need to expand, as well as keep their doors open during times of survival difficulty.
Businesses represented on the BDI platform include but are not limited to services such as: Law, Engineering, Fashion/Design, Food/Restaurants, Home Improvement, Realty, Insurance, Beauty/Skincare, Healthcare, Technology, Education and Accounting to name a few.
Wednesdays and Saturdays are called “Black Dolla Days.” Black Dolla Days are set aside for advertising and promoting products/services and neighborhood events. The other days are set aside for consumers to browse, shop, and give reviews about their experience, giving the community better decision making power.
If you need it, you can almost be certain to find it on Black Dolla Indy.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Mother, Revenue Cycle Manager,
Author, Influencer
Carmen Davenport is a biological mom of one, step-mom of 3 and motherly energy to many. Redefining the written definition of ‘BLACK’ is the greatest empowering legacy she plans to leave to not only her own family, but others who struggle daily with accepting who they are despite what society considers ‘normal’.
Carmen grew up on the Southside of Indianapolis and graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School (Go Hornets!), she went on to attend Indiana Business College where she majored in Fashion Merchandising. While in school, Carmen began working full-time for a local Non-Profit organization whose mission is to provide healthcare services to the underserved and disadvantaged population.
Throughout Carmen’s tenure, she has implemented three software programs used to support both Practice Management and EHR workflows. Carmen holds an 13 year Practice Management Training Certification, has developed and oversees her company's first corporate training program, manages it's Revenue Cycle Department and served as one of the first Organizational Customer Service Advocates & Corporate Event Planners. To date, Carmen has been with the organization 30 years.
Carmen understands that people should function within their ministry to produce the biggest impact and she struggled to find how her passions and abilities could aid in improving some of the disparities the black communities face.
Carmen’s passion for bringing people together, her interest in making a difference and her struggle to find her place in a movement whose mission aligned with what kept her up at night, became the inspiration in creating the Black Dolla Indy platform.
Carmen launched a T-shirt line in 2015 entitled “Marilyn Who?” which was used to empower black women. Her hope was that they would develop a greater sense of self-worth through the expression of art depicted. In all, no matter the shade, black is beautiful!
PASSION
Writing
Carmen is the author of a children’s book series called Nosey Nia. Nosey Nia gives a brief exploration of a child’s view of the bible and answers many questions children may have. She currently has three of the 5-book series released, to include “Nosey Nia and the Big Book” , “Nosey Nia – 7 Days”, "Nosey Nia - Man Oh Man" and her next book titled "Nate Counts To 10" is scheduled to be released fall 2022 which will be followed by 2 other kids book entitled “Tricky Colors”, "Pretty in Politics" and an adult book entitled, “Random thoughts About Random Sh!+.”
You can find her published works on Amazon or online at almost any book retailer in the US.
https://www.amazon.com/Carmen-Davenport/e/B086H36WV1?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1646240517&sr=8-2
FEATURES
Black Dolla has been featured on the front page of the Indianapolis Recorder, in the Indy Star, Black Enterprise, Indiana Minority Business magazine, on WISH TV, WRTV, Fox 59, CBS4Indy, Indy Black Owned, The Gray Area, Midwest Leak Magazine, Visit Indy, Black Banks Matter, Hot96 with Cameron Scott, WTLC, AM 1310: The Light and IndyNow
Black Dolla is committed to highlighting black business through events all Hoosiers can enjoy.