Welcome to Archwood Exchange: A Hub for Black Businesses in the Valley
The Arnold Pickle House, a historical building on the southeast corner of Van Buren and 14th streets, has been a landmark in Phoenix for nearly a century. Now, it is getting a new lease on life as the permanent home for Archwood Exchange, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting Black businesses in the Valley.
Founded by Ali Nervis, Archwood Exchange and the nonprofit ACRES have long been a pillar of support for Black entrepreneurs, providing a platform to showcase their products and offering valuable resources and education to help them succeed. Now, with a permanent home in downtown Phoenix, the organization aims to expand its mission and reach even more aspiring business owners.
According to Henry Dickerson, another founder of Archwood Exchange, the goal is simple: to inspire dreams and foster a sense of community among Black entrepreneurs. The four founders, including Ali Nervis, Stacy Best-Nervis, Havana Dickerson, and Henry Dickerson, are entrepreneurs themselves, with successful storefronts in downtown Phoenix.
Business owners like Evelia Davis, founder of The Diaspora Collective, credit Archwood Exchange for giving them a platform to test out their ideas and grow their businesses. The supportive community and affordable opportunities provided by Archwood have been instrumental in their success.
With plans to incorporate a business incubator, educational facilities, and a studio, the vision for The Archwood at East Lake is ambitious. The goal is to create a space that not only supports current businesses but also nurtures the growth of future entrepreneurs.
As Michael Dodd, owner of Maddie B’s Chicago Style Gourmet Popcorn, puts it, Archwood Exchange is not just a marketplace – it’s a community. By supporting Black businesses, customers can help create generational wealth and foster economic growth in their neighborhoods.
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