01
1924
The Vision
Bigger & Better Business becomes Phi Beta Sigma’s first national program.
Build Businesses. Build Community.
Chapter 2 · Bigger & Better Business
A century-long commitment to entrepreneurship, financial knowledge, Black ownership, and economic empowerment.
1924
0 of 3 chapters explored
02
Hear Why Sigma Is Here
Original audio story · 1:20
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Read transcript
The Black Business Expo NJ is not separate from the mission of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. It is an expression of that mission.
In December of 1924, at the Fraternity’s Tenth Anniversary Conclave in Philadelphia, Bigger and Better Business became Phi Beta Sigma’s first national program.
Its early purpose was clear: encourage Black businesses to strengthen their knowledge, improve efficiency, serve the public well, and become more competitive.
More than a century later, that commitment continues through entrepreneurship, financial education, business development, intentional support of Black-owned businesses, access to capital and resources, homeownership, and the creation of generational wealth.
Through Bigger and Better Business, Sigma men work to connect people with the knowledge, relationships, and opportunities that can help businesses grow and communities prosper.
That is why the Kappa Upsilon Sigma Chapter is hosting this Expo.
We are creating visibility for entrepreneurs, connecting business owners with resource organizations, encouraging community support, and opening the door to relationships that can continue long after today.
This is more than an event.
This is Bigger and Better Business in action.
The blueprintis still active.
Move from the century-long commitment into the people, organizations, knowledge, and actions carrying it forward today.
The Blueprint forEconomic Empowerment
A connected pathway
01Economic Empowerment
What it means: The ability to build income, assets, choices, and influence through economic participation.
At the Expo: Businesses and attendees meet in a marketplace centered on discovery and support.
02Entrepreneurship
What it means: Turning ideas, skills, and service into sustainable enterprises.
At the Expo: Participating entrepreneurs present their work directly to customers and collaborators.
03Financial Knowledge
What it means: Using sound information to make informed decisions about money, capital, and growth.
At the Expo: Resource partners help attendees identify preparation and next steps.
04Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
What it means: Intentional spending, referrals, promotion, and ongoing customer relationships help businesses grow.
At the Expo: Attendees can discover vendors, make purchases, share businesses, and continue supporting them after the event.
05Generational Wealth
What it means: Building assets, knowledge, and opportunity that can benefit future generations.
At the Expo: The Expo brings ownership, education, and community support into one shared experience.
06Access to Trusted Resources
What it means: Connecting entrepreneurs to organizations that can help them start, strengthen, or expand.
At the Expo: Partners are organized by attendee need so the next useful conversation is easier to find.
1924 toToday
Editorial timeline
02
Through the generations
The Work
Chapters promote entrepreneurship, financial knowledge, business development, and economic advancement.
03
Today
The Mission in Action
The Kappa Upsilon Sigma Chapter brings businesses, professionals, resource organizations, and community members together through the Black Business Expo NJ.
Sources & Further Reading
Approved source links will be published here as the exhibit bibliography is finalized.