Bigger and Better Business became the first national program of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. It was first introduced at the Tenth Anniversary Conclave, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (December 1924). When Bigger and Better Business was adopted as a national program, special emphasis was placed on encouraging and promoting Negro businesses.
At its inception, the program sought to encourage Negro businesses to improve their business acumen, efficiency and service to the public, to be competitive with other businesses.
The Education program developed from the Fraternity’s traditional emphasis on education academic achievement as an ingredient for success. During the 1945 Conclave in St. Louis, Missouri, the Fraternity engaged in a restructuring of its programming, leading to the birth of Education as an International program.
The program focuses on providing a variety of services to alumni and collegiate members of the Fraternity, which in turn translates to services to local communities. In-house programs include providing scholarships, conferences, college fairs, mentoring and tutoring at local, regional and national levels.
Formed in 1934, the Social Action program was conceived by Bro. Elmo M. Anderson to focus on improving the general wellbeing of disenfranchised people. The mission of the International Social Action Program is to encourage social, political and philanthropic leadership which strengthens our respective communities and our membership by:
- Educating fraternity members on health issues affecting them and their families
- Increasing visibility and sense of self-worth by/through serving in the community
- Providing education/information about political and community issues, and increasing awareness of the legislative process
- Involving the membership in fund raising activities that support organizations sharing our vision
- Promoting health awareness to encourage prevention of health challenges and promote health maintenance