Empowering Communities Through Intentional Spending: Laura Clise Shines on The Pop-Up
Laura Clise, the founder and CEO of Intentionalist, recently joined The Pop-Up to share her insights on local economic development and the launch of an exciting new initiative designed to drive economic inclusion: the Special Edition Buy Black Card.
Unveiling the Special Edition "Buy Black Card"
Formed through a multi-year partnership between Intentionalist and the Black Players for Change, the prepaid Special Edition Buy Black Card was recently unveiled in Seattle's historic Central District at Simply Soulful, Clise recounted.
Featuring custom, soccer-inspired artwork by local artist Damon Brown, a.k.a. Creative Lou, the card serves as a vehicle to maximize economic inclusion ahead of the region's summer soccer festivities. Thanks to underwriting from organizations like Symmetra and the BECU Foundation, consumers who load $100 onto the card receive a 20% sponsored boost, giving them $120 in purchasing value, while the participating businesses still receive full purchase value.
"Ultimately, it's about centering benefits to Black-owned businesses throughout the region. At Intentionalist, we're small but mighty,” she said.
Advancing Small Business Support and Local Development
The episode kicked off with a discussion regarding a recent expansion of funds by the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED). While acknowledging that it would be ideal not to need such programs, Clise emphasized the harsh reality that community and business disruptions continue to occur.
"At the very least, the Office of Economic Development is prioritizing trying to do what they can to help make impacted small businesses whole, because it is expensive,” she said.
Where to Spend Like it Matters
The Special Edition Buy Black Card can be used at nearly 150 Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses across the region. Clise shared a few of her personal recommendations and favorite stops, which include:
Simply Soulful and the surrounding plaza businesses.
For those looking to "spend like it matters," the Special Edition Buy Black Card can be purchased directly by visiting intentionalist.com.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
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