iHeartMedia New York Debuts 'Building Black Biz' Initiative and Podcast with Angela Yee

iHeartMedia New York announced today the debut of “Building Black Biz” – an initiative designed to support, sustain and grow local Black-owned businesses in the New York metro area. iHeartMedia New York has pledged to support the “Building Black Biz” initiative during the next three months with over 100 million media impressions on Power 105.1, Z100, 106.7 Lite FM, 103.5 KTU, Q104.3 and 710WOR as well as the stations’ websites and social media channels.

Through the “Building Black Biz” initiative, listeners and aspiring business owners can hear from successful entrepreneurs within the tristate area on how they started their business and what advice they would give to new entrepreneurs. The website BuildingBlackBiz.com will feature educational content developed in partnership with Operation Hope, a nonprofit organization providing financial literacy empowerment and economic education. In addition, listeners will be encouraged to shop and support local Black-owned businesses through the website’s vendor database.

The initiative also features “The Building Black Biz Podcast,” a weekly podcast hosted by various iHeartMedia on-air personalities including Angela Yee, Maxwell and more. It will feature successful Black business owners, executives and other notable trailblazers offering advice and business guidance.

“I am so proud of our team for going above and beyond and creating this comprehensive campaign,” said Bernie Weiss, President of iHeartMedia New York. “New York needs more Black-owned businesses and I am thrilled we can use the power of all of our six radio stations to do our part in making a real impact.”

iHeartMedia’s new “Building Black Biz Podcast," welcomes Derek Lewis, President, South Division at PepsiCo Beverages North America as its first guest on this newly-launched podcast dedicated to helping support, sustain and grow Black businesses. Hosted by a rotating cast of on-air talent, the weekly podcast will feature business trailblazers in the Black community, from small business owners to CEOs of multinational brands, to offer listeners valuable business advice and guidance.

The first episode of “Building Black Biz Podcast” features host Angela Yee, the Brooklyn native and host of the nationally syndicated morning show The Breakfast Club, and special guest Derek Lewis. Derek discusses his career journey and dedication to supporting the communities in which he lives and serves, including his leadership role in PepsiCo’s Racial Equality Journey and support of the Pepsi Stronger Together program, the brand’s community give-back program kicking off its 2.0 campaign later this month.

“It is an honor to join Angela for the first episode of the ‘Building Black Biz Podcast’,” said Derek Lewis. “At PepsiCo, we are taking real measures to dismantle the systemic racial barriers that have blocked social and economic progress in this country - be it through our Racial Equality Journey or Pepsi Stronger Together, our grassroots initiative meant to empower all types of communities around the country. We are very much aligned with the Building Black Biz program, and we look forward to working with iHeartMedia to empower people and participate in this crucial conversation.”

“I am excited be a host on the new ‘Building Black Biz Podcast’,” said Angela Yee. “iHeartMedia recognizes the importance of amplifying Black voices in leadership positions like Derek Lewis who are inspiring the next generation of Black entrepreneurs in our community.”

Listeners can listen to Angela Yee’s interview with Derek Lewis starting today on iHeartRadio and at BuildingBlackBiz.com, where they will also find resources including educational content, a Black-owned business guide, and a comprehensive list of grant programs dedicated to helping sustain or grow small businesses.