African American Small Business Foundation Sets Goal to Grow As Regional Economic Powerhouse

GARDEN CITY, NY — February 13, 2026 — Following a night of high-level networking and cultural celebration, the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. (AASBF) is officially touting the massive success of its latest milestone event. The gathering, which drew a capacity crowd of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners, has set a new benchmark for how economic partnerships are strengthened on Long Island.

The event served as a vibrant showcase of the Foundation's mission to bridge the gap between small business aspirations and sustainable success. Images from the evening capture a diverse "lineage of leadership," from emerging founders to established "Homegrown Heroes," all united by a shared vision of regional stability and generational wealth.

Throughout the year we will continue to emphase "The Power of Partnership" This event will be help in partnership with the African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.,100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc., and the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

A Night of Setting the communities’ sight on the future

“The energy in the room was a testament to the fact that our community is ready to lead the way in economic equity,” said Phil Andrews, Founding President of the AASBF. “When you look at the images from this event, you aren't just seeing a party; you are seeing the architecture of a sustainable economic engine for Long Island”.

National Momentum Meets Local Success: The event was launched on the heels of the Foundation making national headlines in Essence, Black Enterprise, and Afrotech. This national recognition has validated the AASBF’s model local, intentional, and community-driven as a blueprint for the future of business advocacy.

Building the Future: A Case for Continued Support

The success of this event provides a springboard for the Foundation’s ambitious 2026 agenda.

AASBF is calling on new donors and corporate sponsors to join this movement to ensure that the momentum translates into tangible results, including:

• Generational Wealth Programs: Direct business education and micro-grants for emerging founders.
• The Advocacy Pipeline: Ensuring minority-owned firms secure seats at the table for multi-million-dollar regional contracts.
• Youth Entrepreneurship: Mentoring the high school and college students who will be the "Heroes" of the next decade.
• Up Next "Homegrown Heroes" on Long Island March 14, 2026 at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM For complet details and to purchase your tickets today visit: Homegrown Heroes on Long Island ticketing: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ti...

Next up Ten Toes Down for “Homegrown Heroes” on long Island which will be curated by Shirley Darkeh is about recognizing that our community’s greatest assets are the people already standing next to us,” added Rose Ward, Vice President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce.

Join the Movement

While this milestone event has passed, the work of the Foundation continues daily.

Organizations and individuals looking to invest in the regional stability of Long Island are encouraged to visit our portal to learn about upcoming initiatives and partnership tiers.

For those who were unable to attend the Feb. 10 celebration, the Long Island business community has another opportunity to engage on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Homegrown Heroes of Long Island, a fundraising and recognition event celebrating entrepreneurs and leaders whose contributions have shaped the regional economy. The event will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center.

The evening will honor individuals and organizations whose dedication and success exemplify local leadership and community impact. Proceeds support youth entrepreneurship programs, business education initiatives and expanded access to economic resources for historically underserved founders.

Registration & Tickets: Attendees may register and purchase tickets online through the event platform. Ticket levels include Visionary, Benefactor, Champion, Supporter and Friend of the Cause. Visit the event page to secure seats and sponsorship opportunities:

Homegrown Heroes of Long Island ticketing: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ti...

About the Curator — Shirley Darkeh: Shirley Darkeh is an acclaimed curator, artist, entrepreneur, poet and community advocate whose six-decade career has profoundly influenced Long Island’s cultural landscape. She currently serves as the curator for the Homegrown Heroes of Long Island exhibit. Mrs. Darkeh has pioneered community arts programming, hosted public affairs radio, and founded Project Pride, a youth self-development initiative. Her leadership includes roles in corporate finance and nonprofit innovation, and she has been recognized for her enduring commitment to civic engagement and cultural preservation.

About the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic equity. Through education, advocacy, and access to capital, the Foundation empowers minority and underserved entrepreneurs to build sustainable, job-creating enterprises across New York.