The Metropolitan Business League

01/09/2026

A Celebration of Life honoring Ms. Allison Hunter will be held on January 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM at St. Paul’s Baptist Church North Campus, located at 4247 Creighton Road in Richmond, Virginia.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed at myspbc.org.

We continue to extend our thoughts and condolences to Allison’s family, friends, and loved ones during this time.

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our Vice President of Operations & Programs, Allison Hunter. Allison faithfully served the Metropolitan Business League for the past nine years, offering exceptional leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. Her impact on our work, our culture, and each of us personally cannot be overstated. She led with integrity, compassion, and purpose, and her legacy will continue to shape our organization for years to come.

Beyond her professional excellence, Allison was a devoted mother, colleague, mentor, and friend to many. She gave so much of herself in service to others, and we are better because of her time with us. Additional information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available.

In honor of Allison’s memory, for those who wish to offer support to her family, you may “dedicate a gift” in Allison’s memory: https://thembl.org/donate. This gesture is entirely optional and shared for those who feel called to give. Our thoughts and prayers are with Allison’s family and loved ones, and with all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

With sympathy,
Floyd E. Miller, II
President & CEO
Metropolitan Business League

01/07/2026

Take charge of your financial journey! The Level Up: Credit & Finance Workshop offers expert guidance to help you understand credit, manage debt, and set smart financial goals. This FREE workshop will take place on Saturday, Jan 24th and Saturday, Feb 28th, from 1–3 PM at the Petersburg Public Library.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tools and strategies to strengthen your financial foundation. RSVP here: 🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/level-up-credit-and-finance-workshop-series-tickets-1968162499016

01/07/2026

Start the year with our first Recharge of 2026! ☕️ Grab your hot coca and join us next Wednesday, January 14th, for an engaging conversation on health insurance opportunities for small businesses with Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace.

This event is FREE for members and non-members, but registration is required. RSVP here: 🎟️ https://members.thembl.org/events/details/richmond-warm-up-recharge-health-insurance-options-for-small-business-owners-5979

01/05/2026

Congratulations to this week’s Member Monday Spotlight, Christina Taylor, Career Advancement Strategist of Careers by Christina Taylor. .taylor_collective
Read about Christina in our interview below! 🎉

Q: What is your name, business name and position in this business?
My name is Christina Taylor, and I am the Career Advancement Strategist of Careers by Christina Taylor, a division of The Christina Taylor Collective LLC.

Q: How did you get started in your business?
Careers by Christina Taylor grew from my passion for helping people show up as their best selves, personally and professionally. I started by crafting custom resumes for friends and family and identified a need to highlight, articulate and transfer skill sets and natural gifts.

Q: What products/services do you offer?
Careers by Christina Taylor services include the “Coming Correct” Course, a hands-on program focused on soft skills and professionalism that strengthens communication, workplace etiquette, and personal branding. I also offer Workforce Readiness and Résumé Workshops, designed to help students and jobseekers build confidence while developing polished, competitive portfolios. In addition, Employer Partnerships and Staff Training provide customized in-house professional development experiences that elevate morale, boost retention, and enhance overall workplace culture. At the heart of everything I do is one clear goal: “Turning Top talent into Top-Quality Professionals.”

Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned while being an entrepreneur/business owner?
Consistency and connection are everything! Entrepreneurship is about showing up for your purpose, building trust, and creating experiences where people feel seen and valued.

Q: How can we find you and/or your business on social media?
Website: https://thechristinataylorcollective.com/careers-by-christina-taylor
Instagram: .taylor_collective
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/inthechristinataylorcollective

01/02/2026

Congratulations to our new Member of the Month, Will Keck, Creative Director and Founder of Themsqshop! 🥳

01/01/2026

As we step into 2026, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible community of small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses we serve. Your resilience and innovation inspires us daily. ✨

Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, success, and impact.

Happy New Year to you from all of us at the MBL!

12/31/2025

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our Vice President of Operations & Programs, Allison Hunter. Allison faithfully served the Metropolitan Business League for the past nine years, offering exceptional leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. Her impact on our work, our culture, and each of us personally cannot be overstated. She led with integrity, compassion, and purpose, and her legacy will continue to shape our organization for years to come.

Beyond her professional excellence, Allison was a devoted mother, colleague, mentor, and friend to many. She gave so much of herself in service to others, and we are better because of her time with us. Additional information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available.

In honor of Allison’s memory, for those who wish to offer support to her family, you may “dedicate a gift” in Allison’s memory: https://thembl.org/donate. This gesture is entirely optional and shared for those who feel called to give. Our thoughts and prayers are with Allison’s family and loved ones, and with all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

With sympathy,
Floyd E. Miller, II
President & CEO
Metropolitan Business League

12/30/2025

The Metropolitan Business League joins the greater Richmond community in mourning the passing of William “Bill” J. Martin.

We honor his legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to equity in our community.

12/29/2025

Kickstart 2026 with the City of RVA Office of Minority Development’s three-part business series for entrepreneurs and small business owners:

Jan 6: Business 201 with Chandra Hurst
Building Blocks for Success | Online via Zoom 🔗 https://events.chase.com/300076731

Jan 13: From Ideation to a One-Page Lean Business Plan | Richmond Public Library, 101 E. Franklin St, 6–7:30 PM 🔗 https://sugeni.us/eiEV

Jan 20: Marketing Essentials for Small Businesses | Richmond Public Library, 6–7:30 PM 🔗 https://sugeni.us/eiEU

For questions, contact the City of Richmond Office of Minority Business Development.

12/29/2025

Kickstart 2026 with the City of RVA Office of Minority Development! Join a 3-part business series designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners ready to level up.

Jan 6: Business 201 with Chandra Hurst, Building Blocks for Success | Online via Zoom https://events.chase.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=300076731&

Jan 13: From Ideation to a One-Page Lean Business Plan | Richmond Public Library | 6:00-7:30 PM https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A49A4AD23A3F85-60841988-onepage #/

Jan 20: Marketing Essentials for Small Businesses | Richmond Public Library | 6:00-7:30 PM https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A49A4AD23A3F85-61332303-marketing #/

📩 For questions, contact the City of Richmond Office of Minority Business Development.

12/29/2025

Congratulations to this week’s Member Monday Spotlight, Aleasha Rose, Owner-Operator of AOK Express LLC. 🎉 Read all about Aleasha in our interview below!

Q: What is your name, business name and position in this business? (i.e. Founder, Owner, Associate) 
Aleasha Rose,  AOK Express LLC,  Owner-Operator. 
 
Q: How did you get started in your business? 
I got started with my business in 2023 by forming my LLC, getting the required credentials and going to the different seminars that Virginia Apex Accelerator and SBSD offered. From there, I got different certifications such as SWAM, TSA/TWIC, Blood Pathogen and HIPAA etc. Also,  registered with EVA, SAM.gov and FMCSA.  Then,  purchased my first 26ft box truck and obtained the commercial insurance needed to get started. 
 
Q: What products/services do you offer? 
AOK Express LLC offers same day courier/delivery services which include hauling Freight, dry goods, medical equipment and etc.  We offer customized logistic services and dependable ground transportation with 100% on time rate.  
 
Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned while being an entrepreneur/business owner?  
One thing I’ve learned while being an entrepreneur/business owner is that it takes time to get your business off the ground. If you get discouraged when obstacles arrive just look at how far you’ve come, always trust God and keep striving. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19. 
 
Q: What is one fun fact about your business? 
One fun fact about my business is that I used to always tell my children that we would be AOK.  Also,  it’s an anadrome to the street we now live on which is also connected to my deceased maternal grandparents.  
 
Q: How can we find you and/or your business on social media? i.e Facebook, Instagram handles, twitter, etc? 
My business is not on social media as of yet but I can be reached at [email protected] or 804-683-1315