Southwest Airlines is proud to support organizations that empower local communities to thrive, like the Atlanta Business League (ABL). The ABL is an organization that focuses on training, developing, and fostering the growth of African American business owners in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Since 2011, Southwest has been a proud partner of the ABL. Focused on supporting African American and minority businesses, the ABL has served Atlanta for more than 85 years.
The Business of Our Partnership
Southwest values connecting People to what’s important in their lives through community-minded partnerships. The ABL shares many of the same Values as Southwest, which has created a successful partnership for almost a decade.
The ABL boasts a large membership base, composed of everyone from high school students interested in business, to CEOs of Atlanta-based companies. Through seminars, networking events, and roundtable discussions with leading industry professionals, the ABL finds ways to provide valuable services to all its members. By creating a network of businesses owned, operated, and managed by African Americans, the League has a positive impact on its members, the city of Atlanta, and the state of Georgia.
Commitment to Community
In addition to a growing network of members, the ABL also has a robust schedule of events for its members and the community. This March, the League will sponsor the 13th annual “Congress on the State of Black Business in Metro Atlanta.” This event includes presentations on best practices for African American business owners to improve their operations and reach success. While the League focuses on providing valuable services to its members, it also has a goal of positively impacting the Atlanta community through education.
Every summer, the ABL matches 10 to 15 high school students with a League mentor to equip the students with information regarding entrepreneurship, as well as career advice and job shadowing opportunities.
Southwest is proud to be the official airline partner of the ABL’s Men of Influence Reception and Induction Ceremony. This program recognizes influential business owners and professionals who are industry leaders that have accomplished astounding feats. The “Men of Influence” have demonstrated their commitment to the community by maintaining significant involvement in civic activities. Southwest supports this program’s mission of connecting individuals from all levels with men in history-making positions, illustrating the opportunities available for African American men.
Leona Barr-Davenport, President and CEO of the Atlanta Business League, said that the success of African American owned, operated, and managed businesses impacts the lives of Atlanta citizens.
Collaboration and Connection
Southwest Airlines has supported a variety of programs and events hosted by the ABL throughout the years. Through our mutually beneficial partnership, we help the ABL connect its members to what’s important to them: opportunities and information that will lead to the growth and success of their enterprises.
“Southwest Airlines and the Atlanta Business League are both People-focused, invested in the community, and dedicated to supporting people where they are,” Barr-Davenport said.
As Southwest, we are honored to showcase our partnership with the Atlanta Business League in the spirit of Black History Month and beyond. To learn more about the Atlanta Business League, visit atlantabusinessleague.org.