Black businesses often offer unique, handcrafted, or specialized products and services that individuals won’t find at chain stores. Supporting Black-owned businesses is a meaningful way to contribute to economic equality and uplift underrepresented entrepreneurs.
When you spend money intentionally, especially at local businesses, that money stays within the community. Like local businesses, when shopping at black-owned establishments, it reinvests its profits by creating a cycle of economic growth among the people who are spending in the community. More times than not, black-owned shops are the backbone of a community’s character and economy.
They often struggle compared to their leading counterparts due to the lack of support. Let’s be the change we want to see by checking out these five impactful ways to support Black-owned businesses.
5 Ways to Support Black-Owned Business
#1 Shop Directly from Black-Owned Businesses
One of the most straightforward ways to support Black-owned businesses is to buy their products or services. From fashion and beauty to home goods and food, there are numerous options across industries. Consider researching Black-owned businesses in your area or exploring online marketplaces that highlight Black entrepreneurs.
Visit local farmers’ markets or pop-up shops where Black vendors are often represented. Utilize directories like We Buy Black, EatOkra (for Black-owned restaurants), or Official Black Wall Street to discover businesses. Support Black artisans and creators on platforms like Etsy.
Purchasing directly from these businesses not only contributes financially but also encourages their growth, builds their reputation, and increases their visibility. It is a community effort and there’s nothing better than coming together for a good cause!
#2 Spread the Word
Word-of-mouth recommendations are incredibly powerful. Spreading the word is the humane way of marketing. Sometimes smaller businesses do not have the tools to spread the word at such a rapid pace so whether it is in conversation or posting online everything helps! When sharing positive experiences and promoting Black-owned businesses within your networks it can help amplify their reach.
Post about your favorite Black-owned brands on social media platforms. Write thoughtful reviews on Google, Yelp, or other relevant platforms. Surprisingly, those reviews do help businesses. Whether it’s raving about an item they are selling or aiding them by giving positive criticism. Recommend Black-owned businesses to friends, family, and colleagues. By sharing your support online and offline, you help generate organic exposure that can lead to increased patronage.
#3 Invest in Black Entrepreneurs
Providing financial support beyond purchasing goods and services can have a significant impact. Many Black-owned businesses face barriers to accessing capital, so investments and donations can play a key role in their success. Contribute to crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter.
Consider supporting Black-owned venture capital firms or funding initiatives that aim to support Black entrepreneurs. Offer microloans or participate in programs that provide grants or financial aid. Diversity is what this country is known for and as a result people should invest in those willing to pull themselves up by the bootstraps wanting to create incredible goodness. If you have resources to invest, supporting a Black-owned startup or small business can help it thrive and expand.
#4 Hire and Collaborate
Businesses often grow through partnerships and professional relationships. Whether you’re an individual, a small business owner, or part of a large corporation, consider hiring or collaborating with Black professionals and business owners. Collaborating with others will help fill a space of unity and inclusion.
Hire Black-owned service providers for events, catering, photography, or marketing. Collaborate with Black creatives, consultants, or freelancers for projects. Partner with Black-owned businesses for joint ventures or corporate supplier diversity initiatives. This fosters economic inclusion and provides opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.
#5 Educate Yourself and Advocate
Understanding the historical and systemic challenges Black business owners face can deepen your commitment to supporting them. Educating yourself and others about these disparities can inspire long-term advocacy. Read books, articles, and reports about the economic challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs.
Attend events, webinars, or workshops led by Black business leaders. When you know better you do better. Advocate for policies and programs that promote economic equity. Supporting Black-owned businesses goes beyond financial transactions; it includes fostering environments that enable sustainable growth and equal opportunities.
Related: 7 Black Finance Influencers to Follow
By shopping directly, spreading the word, investing, hiring, and educating yourself, you can make a tangible difference in the success of Black-owned businesses. Your continued support not only drives economic empowerment but also contributes to more equitable and inclusive communities. Commit to these actions and become part of the movement toward lasting change.
We love hearing from you and members of the community, so drop a line or emoji and say hi! Tune in to hear new episodes from our City Girl Savings podcast hosted by our very own girl boss and CEO Raya Reaves. You can listen on Spotify and Apple! Don’t forget to like and follow our CGS Meta page as well as our TikTok, IG & LinkedIn socials @citygirlsavings to stay connected! Don’t forget…CGS is a Black-owned business!
-Taelor
The CGS Team
