Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to recognize the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and business owners who have played a pivotal role in shaping our society and economy. One way to honor this is by actively supporting Black-owned businesses. And with so many Black-owned businesses out there, this is not hard to do at all! Let’s explore the importance of supporting Black businesses and provide valuable resources to help you make a positive impact.

At the heart of it, supporting Black-owned businesses is about economic empowerment. By investing in these businesses, you’re contributing to job creation and supporting entrepreneurship within historically marginalized communities. Beyond that, it’s also a matter of representation. Visibility matters, and supporting Black businesses helps break down systemic barriers, promoting diversity and inclusion in the business world.

Resources for Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

If you are not sure where and how to find business to support, there are a lot of great resources online that can help.

• Official Black Wall Street (OBWS): OBWS is a platform that connects consumers with Black-owned businesses across various industries. Whether you’re looking for restaurants, clothing stores, or service providers, OBWS provides a directory to help you find and support Black entrepreneurs.
• WeBuyBlack: This online marketplace exclusively features products from Black-owned businesses. From beauty products to home goods, WeBuyBlack offers a vast array of options, allowing you to make conscious choices in your everyday purchases.
• Support Black Owned (SBO): SBO is a user-friendly website that helps consumers discover and support Black-owned businesses in their local communities. The platform includes a directory sorted by industry, making it easy to find businesses that align with your needs.

Vote with Your Dollars

In addition to actively seeking out Black-owned businesses, also consider the impact of your spending choices. When looking for vendors or service providers, prioritize paying them fair market rates. By valuing the expertise of local Black businesses and compensating them fairly, you contribute to the fight against systemic injustice.

Sharing in Your Network

One thing Jessi (OYG Founder) does when sharing recommendations within her network, she prioritize uplifting businesses owned by BIPOC and women. Recognizing the systemic challenges these entrepreneurs often face, she believes in actively contributing to their visibility and success. By intentionally recommending BIPOC and women-owned businesses first, she hopes to contribute to amplifying the voices of those who have historically been marginalized. This is a small way to use your network to empower underrepresented communities, promote diversity, and ensure that opportunities for growth and recognition are extended to all.

Supporting Black-owned businesses goes beyond just a transaction – it’s a conscious choice to be part of positive change. This Black History Month, let’s commit to supporting economic empowerment, representation, and equality!