DeKalb business guide highlights Black-owned businesses in county

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Decide DeKalb Development Authority created the DeKalb Black Business Guide to highlight the many Black-owned establishments in the county.

The guide can be found online and lists out each business by industry. Geoffrey Loften, the equitable economic development program manager, said it was also important to address some of the challenges in underserved and underrepresented communities and their businesses.

“This is one of our initiatives to really try to uplift and elevate these businesses,” he said. “Help them access marketing in a unique way and grow their businesses and really get that exposure, so folks can take part in this thriving Black business economy we have in DeKalb County.”

Industries listed in the guide include restaurants, wellness centers, laundry services and many more. One of the businesses includes Sole Play, which is located in downtown Decatur and offers urban fashion, footwear and accessories.

“It’s definitely helped with traffic in the store, and just giving that highlight to minority businesses in the city of Decatur,” said William Browning with Sole Play. “Just giving us a little shine and a little spotlight. We definitely appreciate the opportunity.”

According to Loften, Decide DeKalb created the guide to show residents what’s available without leaving the county.

For Sublime Doughnuts owner and founder Kamal Grant, the decision to be a part of the guide was an easy one. His location in the Druid Hills area of DeKalb County has been there for eight years.

“We want to let people know what we’re doing,” Grant said. “And Black people, we like to support each other, but also we can encourage each other too… seeing there’s a Black business of this quality.”

The guide can be found here: https://www.decidedekalb.com/dekalb-black-business-guide/

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