Rock County Jumpstart is encouraging shoppers to not only think local, but to consider minority-owned businesses when making holiday purchases.

The Beloit City Council declared November 22nd through the 27th Black Business Week.

Rock County Jumpstart Founder and Executive Director Genia Stevens says Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes will speak at the kick-off event on Monday from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m. at the Beloit Historical Society.

Stevens says on November 27th Rock County Jumpstart and Black Women in Business Beloit will host a family-friendly Black Business Week Expo from noon until 5:00 p.m. at Community Action.

For more information visit www.rockcountyjumpstart.org.