Leap with grace.

Starting your own business is risky, but the rewards are great if you plan and prepare. Next month, in our business start-up issue, Enterprise Editor Gerda Gallop leads the BLACK ENTERPRISE editorial staff in examining start-up opportunities. We'll provide tips on finding the best venture to meet your needs and goals. And for those of you who are already self-employed, we'll show you how to maximize the sales and profitability of your ventures, and manage your finances more effectively.

Also in September, we'll give you our annual list of the best 15 franchises, companies that are low in cost, yet high in profit. We uncover the reasons behind CEO Loida Lewis' decision to sell the remainder of her firm's assets at TLC Beatrice. You'll be inspired by the story of our Corporate Executive of the Year and amazed by the impact Y2K glitches may have on consumers. We'll show you how to put your investment dollars to work by building a solid portfolio and how to set up a plan to finance your child's college education.

Check us out and start the fall season with a bang!