The Ultimate Reading List for Building a Successful Business

Let’s be real: many people feel that expensive business conferences are failing to deliver. Following recent social media backlash surrounding InvestFest—one of the largest gatherings for Black entrepreneurs and investors—many attendees left feeling like they paid top dollar for basic advice and empty networking.

With August being Black Business Month, it’s the perfect time to explore how Black entrepreneurs can unlock game-changing business gems from top experts through books—without breaking the bank on conference tickets.

For Building The Business

“How To Succeed in Business Without Being White” by Earl G. Graves, Sr.

“How to Succeed in Business Without Being White” offers a candid, experience-based guide for Black professionals and other underrepresented entrepreneurs navigating predominantly white corporate and business spaces. Earl G. Graves Sr. traces his journey from the son of a West Indian garment worker to a multimillionaire entrepreneur and the founder of Black Enterprise magazine.

Drawing on his own story alongside lessons from other successful Black professionals, Graves delivers strategies for career advancement and business ownership—emphasizing the vital importance of market differentiation and sustainable growth.

“It’s About Damn Time” by Arlan Hamilton

In “It’s About Damn Time,” respected venture capitalist Arlan Hamilton opens up about her remarkable journey from homelessness to Silicon Valley success. Throughout the book, she shares invaluable wisdom on breaking into the exclusive “boys’ club” of venture capital, creating investment opportunities for “underestimated founders”—including people of color and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs—and building a path to achieve your own dreams on your own terms.

“The Mocha Manual to Turning Your Passion Into Profit” by Kimberly Seals-Allers

If you ever need guidance on turning your ideas into a business plan, Kimberly Seals-Allers has you covered. “The Mocha Manual to Turning Your Passion into Profit” gives insiders a step-by-step guide to turning a creative idea into a formal business plan, including finding the right operational licenses and hiring the right employees. The entrepreneur and journalist offers key strategies and shares advice from successful Black female entrepreneurs, including the founder of Carol’s Daughter, Lisa Price.

“Success Never Smelled So Sweet: How I Followed My Nose and Found My Passion” by Lisa Price (with Hilary Beard)

Long before Carol’s Daughter became a household name and a pioneer in the natural hair and beauty industry, Lisa Price was crafting products right in her Brooklyn kitchen. “Success Never Smelled So Sweet” details how she scaled a personal passion project into one of the most recognizable Black-owned beauty empires in the country. It’s an essential read for entrepreneurs looking to turn their creative passion into a profitable business.

Related: Books By Black Authors We Can’t Wait to Read This Fall

“The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals” by Mathew Knowles

As the mastermind behind Destiny’s Child—one of the defining musical groups of our time—Mathew Knowles knows what it takes to build a brand from the ground up. In “The DNA of Achievers,” he breaks down the core traits that separate high achievers from the rest, including a relentless work ethic, calculated risk-taking, and surrounding yourself with excellence. It is an empowering read for entrepreneurs ready to embrace the discipline required for long-term success.

For Building Wealth

“Get Good with Money” by Tiffany Aliche

In “Get Good with Money,” Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche delivers a practical roadmap for achieving financial stability—an essential tool for solopreneurs and early-stage founders looking to get their personal and business finances in order. Designed as a hands-on, workbook-style guide, the book walks readers through ten actionable steps toward financial wholeness, making it an indispensable resource for long-term entrepreneurial success.

“Savvy Tax Strategies for Small Business Owners: Master Bookkeeping and Tax Planning Strategies” by Atiya S. Brown, CPA

When building a business, keeping your company free of IRS issues is essential. To help founders navigate tax compliance, author Atiya S. Brown—a CPA, Chartered Accountant, and certified financial education instructor with over 18 years of experience in accounting and finance—outlines how to establish proper business structures, identify overlooked deductions, and implement proactive systems to keep your business running smoothly.

“Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Survived Slavery and Became Millionaires” by Shomari Wills

Shomari Wills’ popular nonfiction book, “Black Fortunes,” chronicles the lives of the first six African Americans who survived slavery and earned personal fortunes of over one million dollars between 1830 and 1927. Aspiring entrepreneurs will gain a blueprint for capitalism and wealth-building strategies that serve as cheat codes for facing business adversity.

Learn From Black Business History

“Succeeding Against The Odds” by John H. Johnson

This timeless autobiography of John H. Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing Company and the first African American on the Forbes 400 list, chronicles his rise from poverty in segregated Arkansas to building a media empire that included Ebony, Jet, and Negro Digest magazine.

It also details the practical business lessons and personal principles that created his success. Readers can use this as a playbook for actionable advice on entrepreneurship, sales, leadership, and overcoming systemic barriers like racism and lack of access to capital.

“Rise and Grind: Outperform, Outwork, and Outhustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life” by Daymond John

From working at Red Lobster to building a multi-billion-dollar fashion company, Fubu, Daymond John offers a perspective on relentless commitment to hard work and dedication. In “Rise & Grind,” the “Shark Tank” investor shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges while building his successful career. Most importantly, he encourages entrepreneurs to bet on themselves.

Learn While Listening

“The Diary of a CEO” Podcast by Steven Bartlett

“The Diary Of A CEO” podcast serves as an audio diary of Steven Bartlett’s own entrepreneurial journey and in-depth conversations with high-profile guests. Episodes include dialogues with CEOs, founders, and authors; it feels like a therapy session that aims to reveal the “untold truths” and “unlearned lessons” behind their great achievements. Listeners will gain leadership and team-building pointers, advice on marketing their personal brand, and practical business strategies.

“Black Tech Green Money” by Will Lucas

For entrepreneurs who want to explore business in tech, check out the “Black Tech Green Money” podcast. Hosted by Will Lucas, he takes listeners on a deep dive into business and technology, focusing on wealth-building, financial empowerment, and entrepreneurial success. After one listen, you will definitely be inspired.