The Atlanta Business League (ABL) is an 87-year-old business organization focused on the growth, creation, and development of successful African American business owners in Atlanta. Leona Barr Davenport, President and CEO of the ABL, says its goal has remained the same since the enterprise’s inception in 1933: “To help our members stay connected, to highlight them in the community, to market them, and to continue to bring value in the city.” 

Helping its members pivot or “re-imagine” their businesses has been part of the ABL’s mission since well before the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas luncheons, workshops, and seminars were programming staples, they’ve had to switch to utilizing more technology in order to bring information of value to their members, such as hosting weekly webinars. 

Invest Atlanta has been a longstanding partner of the Atlanta Business League and, remarks Barr-Davenport, the Atlanta community as a whole. She feels the city of Atlanta is unique in providing young business owners with the opportunities to connect and build relationships with veteran, seasoned business owners.  Remarks Barr-Davenport, “I would encourage aspiring business owners to understand that building relationships is key.”