201: A Black Entrepreneur’s Guide to Navigating the Alcohol & Spirits Industry w/ Dia Simms & Erin J. Hall ofPronghorn

Navigating the alcohol and spirits industry can be complex, especially for Black entrepreneurs. Monique sits down with industry leaders Dia Simms and Erin J. Hall to discuss how you can break into this lucrative field. Despite making up 15% of the U.S. population and being long-time consumers, Black individuals remain significantly underrepresented in the spirits industry, occupying only about 7% of the roles. This episode is designed to empower you with the knowledge needed to explore untapped opportunities, whether you’re currently in the industry, considering entry, or simply want to understand its dynamics better.

Dia and Erin founded Pronghorn, a leading accelerator program investing in Black-owned brands to drive $2.4 billion of economic value over the next decade. Global beverage alcohol leader Diageo backed Pronghorn in 2021, committing $200 million based on the achievement of key milestones within a ten-year plan to diversify the spirits industry. Pronghorn offers cash investments, education, and partnerships with industry leaders to help Black entrepreneurs succeed. You’ll hear about their journey, valuable insights from their experiences, and how Pronghorn has secured deals and partnerships resulting in a 5% increase in Black representation. 

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Untapped opportunities in the spirits industry for Black entrepreneurs.

• The role of local press and smaller platforms in building brand awareness.

• Strategies for managing distribution channels effectively in the spirits industry.

• The significance of understanding market data and targeting specific audiences.

• The importance of producing culturally forward content as a Black-owned vendor.

• Tips on leaning into technology and innovation in flavor and packaging.

Don’t miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/201

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