ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

As the new editor of the Enterprise department and coordinator for the November 2000 small business issue, Paula McCoy-Pinderhughes eagerly brings her experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner to the table.

McCoy-Pinderhughes understands the frustrations of acquiring start-up capital, obtaining useful information, the challenge of competing against larger or more established firms, and the issues faced in growth and expansion.

Employing her past experiences, current resources, and access to experts in various industries, she will disseminate information through the pages of her department that will help eliminate some of the obstacles that stand in the way of small business owners.

"Keeping in mind the challenges faced each day by entrepreneurs and small business owners," says McCoy-Pinderhughes, "I've put together an issue that will inspire you to follow through with your dream, direct you to sources of capital to fund your venture, taken you on a trip to the 2000 Black Enterprise/Bank of America Entrepreneurs Conference, and introduced you to the movers and shakers of today and tomorrow."

Jimmy "Mac" McNeal, founder and president of Bulldog Bikes, a bicycle manufacturer in New York, was inspired at a Black Enterprise/Bank of America Entrepreneurs Conference to start a business that no other African American had ventured into. McNeal made valuable connections, and is ready to make the call (see "Deals. Deals. Deals!").

"Relying on each other is something that African Americans need to do more of, and it certainly is no different when it comes to business," says McCoy-Pinderhughes.

Joy Pacheco, president of in Source Inc., a $25,000 payment processing company, and Bedenia Simmonds, president of Bougainvillea Inc., a $1.5 million company that sells juices and sauces made from hibiscus flowers, have relied on each other's professional skills and formed an alliance to complement and grow their distinctively separate businesses (see our special report, "Gaining the Competitive Edge," this issue).

We've shared the experiences of small business owners who have made the leap from the planning stages to profitability and others who need extra support because of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Says McCoy-Pinderhughes, "From this issue, I hope to have communicated to both entrepreneurs and small business owners that there are resources available to help you reach set business goals and objectives, and provided you with some of the tools needed to leverage those resources and attain success."

--The Editors