Trapped in the Hustle: Understanding Why You Can’t Escape the Hustle and How to Break Free
If you are an entrepreneur from the African diaspora, chances are you are carrying a lot on your shoulders. You have built something from the ground up, worked harder than most, and learned to navigate a world that’s often stacked against you. But despite your grit and talent, you might feel like you have hit a wall. You are doing everything yourself, struggling to grow, and the idea of asking for help feels…impossible.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
You are not alone. This isn’t just your story, it’s a pattern. Entrepreneurs like you are making waves globally. For example, in the U.S., immigrant entrepreneurs, a good percentage are Africans who own over 2 million businesses, contributing billions to the economy.
In the UK, Black-owned businesses, largely driven by African immigrants, are growing at record speeds. But here’s the problem: many of these businesses stall because the people running them don’t ask for help when they need it most.
Let’s break down why this happens, how you got here, and, most importantly, what you can do to get unstuck.
Where You Are Now
You are the CEO, marketer, accountant, and customer service rep all rolled into one. Maybe you have been grinding for years, but growth feels slow. You are burned out, and you know deep down you need advice or resources, but the idea of reaching out feels risky.
It’s not just you. A study by The Brookings Institution found that Black-owned businesses, including those run by African immigrants, are 20% less likely to get loans than white-owned businesses, even with the same credit profiles.
So, you keep hustling, hoping sheer determination will get you to the next level.
The Myths that Are Keeping You Stuck
You have probably heard it all your life: “Work hard, and you’ll succeed.” That’s the hustle mentality many African diaspora entrepreneurs grew up with. Admitting you need help can feel like admitting defeat, especially when your family and community are counting on you to prove their sacrifices were worth it.
Then there’s social media. Everywhere you look, other entrepreneurs seem to have it all figured out. They’re posting wins and milestones, making you feel like you’re the only one struggling.
You are not. The truth is, many of those people are just as stuck as you are. They are just better at hiding it.
How You Got Here
The “Do-It-All” Mentality. You didn’t choose to be isolated—it’s part of the entrepreneurial myth. The idea of being “self-made” has been pushed for decades, especially in immigrant communities.
For many in the African diaspora, there’s added pressure to succeed alone. After all, you don’t want to let your family or community down.
But this mindset is exhausting and unsustainable. It’s one thing to work hard, but working alone? That’s a dead end.
A Lack of Access
Let’s be real: the system isn’t set up for you. Black entrepreneurs get less than 2% of Small Business Administration loans in the U.S. In the UK, less than 1% of venture capital goes to Black founders.
If you’ve ever been denied funding or ignored by potential mentors, it’s no wonder you’ve learned to keep your head down and figure things out on your own.
Tech: A Blessing and a Curse
Technology makes running a business easier, but it can also make you feel more isolated. You’ve got tools for accounting, marketing, and project management, but what about human connection?
Business isn’t just about systems—it’s about relationships. And if you don’t have people to turn to, all the tech in the world won’t solve your biggest challenges.
What You Can Do to Break Free
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck. Change won’t happen overnight, but with a few simple shifts, you can build the support system you need to take your business to the next level.
Admit You Need Help
This is the hardest part, but it’s also the most important. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you smart. Think about it: no successful businessperson ever got to the top alone.
Take Lorna, a Kenyan caterer in Toronto. She spent years trying to manage everything herself, but her business stagnated. Finally, she joined a local business accelerator. Within six months, her revenue doubled. Why? Because she got the mentorship and resources she needed.
What You Can Do:
Start small. Talk to a trusted friend or colleague about a specific challenge. Practice seeing help as a strategy, not a weakness.
Build a Community
Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be lonely. Joining a community of like-minded people can give you access to advice, partnerships, and even new customers.
There are networks out there designed specifically for African entrepreneurs like you, from The Africa Center in New York to Black Business Network in the UK.
What You Can Do:
Join LinkedIn groups or online forums for African diaspora entrepreneurs. Attend networking events, even if it feels intimidating.
Find Mentors and Funding
The right mentor can save you years of trial and error. They’ve been where you are, and they know how to help you get where you want to go. Similarly, funding isn’t just about money—it’s about credibility and growth.
Programs like the Tony Elumelu Foundation offer both seed funding and training for entrepreneurs like you.
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Research mentorship programs like Afropreneurs or local initiatives in your area.
Look into diaspora-focused funding opportunities, such as grants from the African Development Bank.
Use Technology to Connect, Not Isolate
Instead of relying on tech to do everything, use it to find people who can help. Virtual mastermind groups, webinars, and collaborative tools can connect you with entrepreneurs facing the same challenges.
Join virtual groups on platforms like Slack or Zoom. Use tools like Calendly to set up regular check-ins with peers or mentors.
Redefine Success
Here’s a truth no one tells you: success isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about building something that lasts. And the best way to do that? Collaborate. Share resources. Learn from others.
Take Kofi, a software developer in Berlin. Instead of going it alone, he partnered with three other entrepreneurs to create a shared coworking space. Together, they’ve grown their businesses faster than they ever could have individually.
Look for opportunities to collaborate, whether it’s a joint venture or a co-op. Celebrate shared wins instead of focusing solely on your individual milestones.
The Future Is in Your Hands
You don’t have to stay stuck. The challenges you’re facing are real, but they’re not insurmountable. By admitting you need help, building a community, and redefining what success means, you can create a business—and a life—that thrives.
Imagine what’s possible when you stop trying to do it all yourself. More growth. More impact. Less stress. It all starts with one decision: to ask for help.
You’ve already done the hard part—getting this far. Now it’s time to go further, together.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
