Access to resources and support can often be limited for Black women entrepreneurs; Dr. Cameka Smith has emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of The BOSS Network, Dr. Smith has built a community that now supports over 200,000 Black women in business, providing them with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed. Her journey from a startup entrepreneur to a thought leader, speaker, and investor is nothing short of inspiring.

The Birth of The BOSS Network

In 2009, Dr. Smith found herself navigating the entrepreneurial world as a small business owner searching for resources. However, she quickly noticed a glaring gap: there were very few resources specifically designed to support Black women in business. Fueled by her own challenges and a desire to uplift other Black women entrepreneurs, she founded The BOSS Network (Bringing Out Successful Sisters). What started as a personal mission has since grown into one of the largest communities for Black women in business, helping thousands of women navigate the often challenging world of entrepreneurship.

Dr. Smith’s vision for The BOSS Network was simple but powerful: to create a space where Black women could connect, share resources, and grow their businesses. Today, The BOSS Network is much more than a community; it’s a movement. From providing funding to hosting events, The BOSS Network has become a trusted resource for Black women seeking to start and scale their businesses.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Building a community like The BOSS Network was no easy task. Dr. Smith had to teach herself the ins and outs of business, from networking and relationship-building to mastering the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Along the way, she sought mentors and coaches to help her refine her skills and grow as a leader.

Like many entrepreneurs, Dr. Smith faced significant challenges during the pandemic. The BOSS Network, which had been primarily event-based, suddenly had to pivot when in-person gatherings were no longer possible. Instead of seeing this as a setback, Dr. Smith leveraged her community’s strength, focusing on providing funding and business training for over 10,000 women of color during this critical time.

One of her most memorable moments came in 2021 when she had the opportunity to meet with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. This pivotal meeting led to a significant investment in The BOSS Impact Fund, which has since supported over 85 Black women founders. Dr. Smith’s motto, “Those that show up, go up,” perfectly encapsulates her belief in seizing every opportunity, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be.

A Unique Perspective and Groundbreaking Impact

Her unwavering commitment to creating equity for Black women founders sets Dr. Smith apart from others in her industry. The BOSS Network was one of the first—and remains one of the largest—communities dedicated to Black women in business. With a focus on research and data, Dr. Smith and her team have developed partnerships with some of the world’s biggest brands, working to fund over 100 Black women entrepreneurs and providing them with the resources they need to thrive.

One of the standout initiatives from The BOSS Network is its partnership with Sage, which resulted in the launch of the “Voices of Strength” report—a groundbreaking resource for Black women founders. This report sheds light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Black women entrepreneurs and serves as a valuable tool for those looking to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

Recognition and Accolades

Dr. Smith’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Joe Biden Presidential Leadership Award and the JPMorgan Chase Community Leader Award. The BOSS Network itself has been recognized as a reputable website for women by leading publications such as Forbes, Inc., and Black Enterprise.

These honors reflect not only Dr. Smith’s impact on the entrepreneurial community but also her dedication to creating lasting change. Through her leadership, The BOSS Network continues to break down barriers and open doors for Black women entrepreneurs nationwide.

Looking to the Future

As The BOSS Network celebrates its 15th anniversary, Dr. Smith is focused on expanding the organization’s impact even further. In the next five years, she envisions The BOSS Network continuing to invest in Black women by providing them with the resources to grow and scale their businesses. She also has her sights set on global expansion, with plans to extend The BOSS Network’s reach to the UK and Africa.

Dr. Smith’s passion for supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs extends beyond The BOSS Network. Through her non-profit initiative, BOSS On Campus, she is dedicated to empowering young women with the tools and resources they need to succeed in business.

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Cameka Smith

A Call to Action

Dr. Smith’s journey is a testament to the power of showing up and seizing every opportunity that comes your way. For Black women in business, The BOSS Network is more than just a community—it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re looking for funding, mentorship, or simply a space to connect with like-minded women, The BOSS Network is there to support you every step of the way.

To learn more about The BOSS Network and how you can get involved, visit their website at thebossnetwork.org or connect with them on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and X. And be sure to check out the “Voices of Strength” report at voicesofstrengthreport.com, a vital resource for Black women founders looking to make their mark in the world of entrepreneurship.

Published by: Nelly Chavez