Bigger and Better Business became the first National Program of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. It was first introduced to the Fraternity at the Tenth Anniversary Conclave held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in December 1924. At this conclave exhibits from twenty-five black businesses were displayed and forums were held to acquaint the Brothers with the problems encountered by blacks and their advancement in business. The Program which was start in the Eastern Region is carried on throughout the year; however, special observances are held during the month of April.
The main purpose in 1924 was to encourage black businessmen to improve their business acumen, efficiency and service to the public in order to favorably compete with other businesses. The present day purpose of the program has changed very little. With many improvements in race relations, the program is now geared to both minority and small businesses. It is our desire that the minority buyer patronize minority business not only because of who they are, but also because minority businesses offer the efficiency and service that would be found in any other business. The program is under the supervision of the International Director of Bigger and Better Business. The seven regional Bigger and Better Business directors assist the International Director.
I became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. because I saw an opportunity to join an organization that had a bigger platform then mine. Since I was a child I wanted to make a difference in the world. Very early in my childhood I saw the wealth disparities in my community. I found out quickly how lucky I was to have parents that had some since of economic understanding. It bothered me that people who looked like me weren't afforded the same resources as others in communities that didn't look like mine.
I am passionate about ensuring all people have equal opportunity for wealth; my life mission aligns with the mission that drives the programmatic thrust of bigger, better business. Starting with this brotherhood while expanding SIGMA economic empowerment development through the communities we serve, I am sure we can change the economic conditions that plague our wealth trajectory. Leading the Eastern Region as its chair for Bigger & Better Business we can and will increase financial literacy, build financial stability and close the racial wealth gap; for the brotherhood and the communities which we serve.
My life mission aligns with the mission that drives the programmatic thrust of bigger, better business.
To elevate & enhance the financial well-being of the brotherhood & their families; expanding PROJECT SEED through engagement, education & empowerment.
Promoting organic professional connections between brothers. Identifying benchmarks & areas of need. Providing access and accessibility where there may not otherwise be especially within the financial services, real estate & small business sectors.
Delivering on focused business development, coaching, and mentorship metrics. Educating on focused economic areas that lead to generational wealth-building habits.
Providing resources, inspirational communication channels & training programs that reinforce economic & entrepreneurial confidence within the brotherhood so we can together take what has been learned and share it within our communities.
Providing access to the brothers of the Eastern Region by first connecting our brothers with subject matter experts we already have within our chapters, promoting the strengths & existing skills up and down the eastern corridor of the fraternity.
Providing platforms with focused development, enhanced training programs and mentorship.
Empowering the brotherhood to be the best version of themselves by putting their education into action. Education is POWER. It promotes confidence and conviction in a person. Once we have the roadmap we are empowered to accomplish anything.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
BBB Team Member (2021-Present)
Sub-Committees Include Awards
Financial Literacy
Sigma Business Network
2023 Billboard Jackson Contest Finalist
Regional BBB Team Engagement Coordinator (2021-Present)
Sub-Committees Include Awards
Financial Literacy
Strive & Thrive Learning Series
Small Business/ Non- Profit
2023 Eastern Regional Billboard Jackson Winner
The Secret Behind Generational Wealth
Money Management
Estate Planning Essentials
Chapter President, December 11th, 2019 to June 9th 2022 Honorable Mention
Voter Registration Partnership, City Council (Sept. 2020)
2020 Eastern Regional Social Action Chapter of the year
2020 Eastern Regional Bigger Better Business
Formation of Community Engagement & Sigma Beta Fund (2021) Formal Event Sponsorship Package created (Jan.2021) *Over $30,000 in Sponsorships Received
Chapter's First Adopt- A - Business MOU Signed,
Royal Blue Restaurant(Feb 2021)
Formation of the Nu Sigma Foundation (Feb 2022)
Strategic Business Partnership Initiative (May 2022)
Chapter Raised Over $20,000 for various charitable giving during tenure (2020-2022)
Utilized Social Media and Local Media Outlets to Enhanced Chapter Visibility
Vice President, 2016
Co-Chaired Sigma Tri-State First All- White Party Developed Membership Payment Plan (Project 17)
Treasurer, 2014-2015
Sustained Chapter Bottomline
Chapter Advisor (2012-Present)
Mentioned in Eastern Regional Director of Education report for Regional Conference 2016 for the creation of Project S.L.A.M (an undergraduate mentorship program)
Southeastern PA Area MIP Chair 2014 ( assisting in the chartering of Gamma Delta Gamma)
Initiated, Spring 2008
Vice President 2009-2010
President Inter Fraternity and Sorority Council
Designation
Credentials
FINRA Series 6,63,66,7
BRO. RASHON R. HOWARD: IN THE COMMUNITY
SHON LLC
Founder, CEO
Reach Up Foundation
Founder, Chairman
NCAA, A10 Conference
Member, Commission on Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
La Salle University
Alumni Board of Directors (2016-2022)
Chair, Greek Task Force (2018-2020)
Professional Networks
Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (2017-Present)
Young Professionals Council ( 2017-2021)
Political
2020 DNC Presidental Fellow
2022 Inductee, Marquis Who's Who In America
2022 Philadelphia Business Journal
Influencer Collection
2021 Philadelphia Business Journal
Diversity Leaders in Business
2021 Philadelphia Tribune, Most Influential African Americans
