Why Supporting Black-Owned Businesses Matters
When you spend money at a Black-owned business, that dollar does more than buy a product or service. It circulates through Black communities, creates jobs for Black workers, builds generational wealth, and funds the dreams of Black entrepreneurs.
Studies show that a dollar circulates in Black communities for only about 6 hours before leaving, compared to nearly a month in white communities. Supporting Black-owned businesses is one of the most direct ways to change that equation.
This isn't about charity—it's about investing in quality businesses that happen to strengthen our community in the process.
Finding Black-Owned Businesses
Online Directories
Several platforms make discovering Black-owned businesses easier:
Official Black Wall Street: A comprehensive directory searchable by category and location
We Buy Black: An e-commerce platform exclusively featuring Black-owned businesses
Support Black Owned: A searchable database with verification
EatOkra: Specifically for Black-owned restaurants (available as an app)
Shoppe Black: Focused on online Black-owned retailers
Social Media Discovery
Social media is a powerful tool for finding Black-owned businesses:
Instagram: Search hashtags like #BlackOwnedBusiness, #BuyBlack, #SupportBlackOwned, #BlackEntrepreneur
TikTok: Black business owners often showcase products and services; search relevant hashtags
Twitter: Follow accounts that highlight Black businesses; engage with recommendation threads
Facebook: Join groups dedicated to promoting Black-owned businesses in specific categories or locations
Apps and Tools
Booksy: For finding Black hairstylists and barbers
Official Black Wall Street App: Mobile access to their directory
Yelp: Now has a "Black-owned" filter for business searches
Google Maps: Many Black-owned businesses are now tagged as such
Vetting and Verification
Why Verification Matters
Unfortunately, some businesses falsely claim Black ownership to attract customers. Here's how to verify:
Check Multiple Sources: Does the business appear in multiple Black business directories?
Research the Owners: Is there public information about who owns and operates the business?
Look for Community Engagement: Does the business actively engage with Black community organizations and causes?
Ask Directly: Legitimate Black-owned businesses are usually proud to confirm their ownership
Red Flags
Be cautious if:
- The business appeared as "Black-owned" very recently without explanation
- There's no identifiable owner or founder
- The business has no presence in Black community spaces
- Something feels off about their engagement
Categories of Black-Owned Businesses
Products
Beauty and Personal Care: From natural hair products to skincare, Black-owned beauty brands are thriving
- Example categories: hair care, skincare, cosmetics, grooming products
Fashion and Accessories: Black designers creating everything from streetwear to high fashion
- Example categories: clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories
Food and Beverage: From hot sauce to specialty coffee to meal kits
- Example categories: seasonings, snacks, beverages, meal products
Home and Lifestyle: Decor, candles, art, and more
- Example categories: home decor, candles, art prints, stationery
Books and Media: Black authors, publishers, and bookstores
- Example categories: fiction, non-fiction, children's books, educational materials
Services
Professional Services: Attorneys, accountants, consultants, and more
Health and Wellness: Therapists, fitness trainers, nutritionists
Creative Services: Designers, photographers, videographers, writers
Tech and Digital: App developers, web designers, digital marketers
Personal Services: Hair stylists, barbers, tailors, personal shoppers
Making Your Support Count
Quality First
Supporting Black-owned doesn't mean accepting lower quality. Expect and demand the same quality you would from any business. This actually helps Black businesses by pushing them to compete at the highest levels.
Sustainable Support
One-time purchases help, but sustained support matters more:
- Become a repeat customer
- Subscribe if the business offers subscriptions
- Make Black-owned businesses your default choice in categories where quality matches
Beyond Purchasing
Support extends beyond spending money:
- Leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and social media
- Recommend to friends and family
- Share on social media
- Provide constructive feedback privately
- Be patient with growing businesses while maintaining standards
Pay Fairly
Don't ask Black business owners for discounts they wouldn't give anyone else. Value their products and services appropriately. "Supporting Black businesses" doesn't mean expecting them to work for less.
Building Black-Owned Into Your Routine
Audit Your Current Spending
Look at where your money goes:
- Where do you buy groceries?
- Where do you get your hair cut?
- What brands do you buy regularly?
- What services do you use?
For each category, is there a Black-owned alternative that meets your quality standards?
Start with Easy Wins
Begin with categories where switching is simple:
- Book your next haircut with a Black barber or stylist
- Buy your next candle from a Black-owned brand
- Order from a Black-owned restaurant
- Purchase your next book from a Black-owned bookstore
Create a Personal Directory
Build your own list of go-to Black-owned businesses for different needs. Having options ready makes it easier to choose Black-owned when the moment comes.
Addressing Common Concerns
"I can't find a Black-owned business in my category"
Black entrepreneurs are in virtually every industry. If you can't find one, dig deeper—use multiple directories, ask in community groups, search social media. They're often there; they just might not have the marketing budgets of larger competitors.
"The prices are higher"
Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't. Remember:
- Small businesses often can't achieve the economies of scale that drive down big-box prices
- Higher prices often reflect higher quality, ethical production, or fair wages
- The community benefit of supporting Black businesses has value
That said, Black-owned businesses compete at every price point. Keep looking if price is a concern.
"I had a bad experience with a Black-owned business"
It happens. One bad experience doesn't represent all Black businesses, just as one bad experience at a chain store doesn't represent all chain stores. Address the issue directly with the business, and don't let one disappointment discourage you from supporting others.
The Bigger Picture
Supporting Black-owned businesses is part of a larger strategy for community economic empowerment. It connects to:
Wealth Building: Business ownership is a primary path to wealth creation
Employment: Black-owned businesses disproportionately hire Black employees
Community Investment: Black business owners often invest back into Black communities
Economic Independence: A strong Black business ecosystem reduces dependence on outside economic forces
Every purchase is a vote for the kind of economy we want to see. When you support Black-owned, you're voting for Black economic power.
What's your favorite Black-owned business? Share your recommendations with the community.
