Do You Want To Support Black-Owned Businesses? Here’s How You Can

Black-owned businesses have significance beyond making a profit or gaining recognition. Despite overcoming adversity, many African-Americans have successful businesses. From bakeries to vineyards, Black people own a diverse array of businesses.

In recent years there has been an increase in Black-owned businesses. However, Black-owned businesses still account for a small percentage of American businesses. In 2021 only 3% of businesses in the United States were Black-owned. Now that it’s National Black Business Month it’s even more important to uplift Black-owned businesses. That’s why I’ve created a list of ways to support Black-owned businesses. Check it out below.

Invest in Black-Owned Businesses

Starting and building a business is expensive, especially if you don’t have a lot of financial support. If you want to be an authentic ally to Black people, consider investing in a Black-owned business. Black entrepreneurs need more support, and that includes having more investors.

If you believe a Black-owned business will have a successful future, reach out to the owner and schedule a meeting. Talk to them about what they need to create an impactful and profitable business. Besides investing, think about ways to partner with a Black-owned business. That could include social media partnerships, hosting events together, and more. This National Black Business Month, think about how you can help Black-owned businesses thrive.

Buy From Black-Owned Businesses

Do some research on Black-owned businesses that sell or make products you tend to purchase. Do a deep dive on Google to find Black-owned businesses located near you. If there aren’t any where you live, order from them online. There are plenty of Black-owned food and clothing companies that sell their products online.

You can also go to a local grocery store and ask if there is anything made by Black-owned businesses. And don’t just buy from Black-owned businesses during National Black Business Month or Black History Month. Black business owners need support year round.

Recommend Black-Owned Businesses

If you know someone who is hosting an event, recommend a Black-owned catering company. If a friend is getting married, suggest a Black-owned florist. If your workplace is having a holiday party purchase alcohol made by Black entrepreneurs. There are quite a few ways to recommend Black-owned businesses. Whether it’s by word of mouth or through social media, that kind of support is an expression of genuine allyship. Genuine allies want to see Black people and our businesses succeed. We need allies who support us and our businesses unconditionally.

You can be a better ally to Black people by putting your time and money into Black-owned businesses. Make sure to tell your family, friends, and colleagues about any products you love that are made by Black entrepreneurs. And now you know some ways to support Black-owned businesses. Be an ally all year by uplifting and supporting Black-owned businesses in your community and beyond.