Business In Buckhead

ATLANTA, Ga. Oct. 11, 2007- These days Buckhead is known for more than just its sprawling skyscrapers; it's also home to many rising African-American entrepreneurs. As the number of luxury condominiums and construction projects are at an all time high in this part of Atlanta, once known only for its night clubs, so too are the number of minority-owned businesses.

Georgia ranks among the top 5 states with the most black-owned businesses, according to the US Census Bureau, many of which are located in the heart of Atlanta's financial district.

Craig Williams, owner of Peaceful Feet Shoeshine INC. (3131 Piedmont Road NE) and former Apprentice finalist, says that while there are still some challenges in being an African-American business owner in Atlanta, the rewards are much greater. Peaceful Feet Shoeshine, a store offering "come to you" shoe butlery services, has continued to grow, despite facing some initial challenges. In the end, he says, it's all about "offering a service that is unmatched, and continuing to be persistent."

From one of the nation's newest Mercedes Benz dealerships to restaurants owned by some of the music industry's leading Hip-Hop moguls, the growing number of black-owned businesses in Atlanta and across the nation shows that this type of persistence is paying off.

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According to the US Census Bureau, between 1997 and 2002 the number of black-owned business increased 45 percent nationwide and that number has continued to grow. During the same five-year period the revenue generated by black-owned business grew to more than $89.9 billion.

Al Jackson, owner of the PRstore (3420 Piedmont Road NE) says he takes pride in bringing a black-owned business to Buckhead and offering affordable services to other small businesses, many of which are start-ups. The PRstore, part of a national franchise, is a perfect addition