OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Black-owned businesses in Omaha have surged by more than 100% over the past six years, reflecting strong growth across the community.
When Jackie Robbins launched Rib Shack Smokehouse in 2020, she relied on little more than her smoker, a handful of recipes, and determination.
“Didn’t have a plan, didn’t have any startup capital, money, or anything,” said Robbins, co-owner of Rib Shack Smokehouse. “The community has supported us through every challenge that we have had.”
Robbins and her husband moved from St. Louis to Omaha for his heart transplant. After his recovery, they built a barbecue business and became part of a growing network of entrepreneurs.
“We see a lot of people are growing and developing in the community, and, you know, it’s a great thing,” Robbins said.
From 2017 to 2023, more than 230 Black-owned businesses launched in Omaha, including 51 in 2023 alone.
“That is generating $322 million of revenue and sales, and nearly 3,000 employees through those businesses,” said Willie Barney, CEO of Revive Omaha.
For Robbins, success goes beyond numbers and centers on perseverance.
“That resilience is there for people to keep going and thrive and they see, you know, like we share our stories to inspire people and people, you know, get inspired by us and tell us all the time and that gives them the inspiration to keep going,” she said.
Robbins is set to join other entrepreneurs Saturday morning at the Black Business Summit in north Omaha, where leaders aim to double the number of Black-owned businesses in the city by 2030.
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