Given the synergy between the Black is Beautiful Expo and LEAP and the timing of the Expo during Black History Month, McNees felt that announcing the inaugural class of five LEAP awardees at the Expo last year was a perfect fit and McNees is excited to keep the partnership going.

“We enjoy working with Urban Revolution Marketing and Branding. The Black is Beautiful Expo continues to grow and we are thrilled that the 2022 LEAP awardees get to be such a big part of it,” McCombie said.

Urban Revolution Marketing started the Black is Beautiful Expo to provide a platform for Minority Businesses that were struggling due to the pandemic and businesses that emerged as a way to create income during the pandemic.

“The Expo has been a success and created many opportunities for complementary businesses to connect, as well as other organizations to participate in helping these businesses thrive. Programs such as LEAP are staples in the community as they give minority startups the ability to set up correctly and succeed in the long run,” said Bradley Wainwright, CEO/Founder of Urban Revolution Marketing & Branding LLC. “McNees is a sponsor of the upcoming Expo, in addition to Northwestern Mutual, The Whitaker Center and Truist Bank. We thank our partners and look to continue to provide platforms for Minority Businesses across the country.”

The Black is Beautiful Expo will be held at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg, Pa. on Feb. 25 and 26. 

The three LEAP recipients in Ohio will be announced in March.