In today’s diverse marketplace, supporting Black-owned businesses is more crucial than ever. These businesses not only foster inclusivity and diversity but also contribute significantly to their communities by creating job opportunities and supporting local initiatives. However, many Black-owned businesses face unique challenges, including limited access to capital and resources, which can hinder their growth and sustainability. In this guide, we will explore the best ways to find Black-owned businesses and provide practical tips on how you can support them, ensuring they thrive and continue to enrich their communities.
Supporting Black Entrepreneurs
Black-owned businesses contribute significantly to inclusivity and diversity in the market as well as to the creation of job opportunities within their communities. These businesses often give back to their community through foundations and non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the people within the community.
For example, BlackPearl Books started a non-profit with the goal of increasing literacy within their community. However, without support and with limited opportunities to acquire more capital, many of these stores have to close permanently, taking their non-profits, initiatives, and contributions with them. As of 2020, the number of Black-owned businesses dropped by 41%, and a small survey of 3,500 business owners revealed that less than 10% would describe their business as profitable and growing. Despite these challenges, these businesses provide a safe space and cozy atmosphere for their patrons. So, how can you support this experience?
How you can provide support
- Local Community Resources: If you want to support small Black businesses, a good way can be to visit community centers or cultural organizations that support Black entrepreneurs. Attending fairs or local events featuring Black businesses is also a good way to know more about local businesses in your area and their products.
- Spread the Word: One of the oldest forms of promotion and support is word of mouth. Usually, when we are looking to buy something for ourselves or as a gift, we ask for recommendations from our friends. This has become one of the best ways to promote a business. When it comes to supporting Black-owned businesses, one of the simplest ways you can do it is to spread the word and share your experience with friends and colleagues.
- Support Online Fundraisers: Running a business requires a lot of investment, and for these small, independently owned shops, it can become a struggle to stay open. For example, Octavia’s Bookshelf found itself on the verge of closing and was saved by the community who donated their money and skills to ensure the store could continue operating. So, if you find a store that you like, make sure to support it with your continued patronage and, if possible, donate to their cause.
- Volunteer and Offer Skills: Speaking of donations, money isn’t the only thing you can donate. Sometimes, experience and expertise can go a long way for these stores that often can’t afford specialized departments like big companies often have. If you are available, offer some of your expertise and time to help at these stores. Who knows, you may end up contributing significantly to your area’s local businesses.
- Engage on Social Media: A like, a comment, or a repost can go a long way when it comes to increasing the visibility of Black-owned small businesses. Make sure you follow your favorite shops on social media and stay up to date with their products and events. This can help them reach a wider audience and stay relevant on social media platforms, ultimately increasing their customer base.
Now that you have a comprehensive guide to supporting Black-owned businesses, let me give you some suggestions to put your newfound knowledge into practice.
Businesses to Highlight
Kindred Stories
A bookstore located in Houston, Texas, prides itself on providing a space for the voices of Black authors and other marginalized communities. Terri Hamm started the store online in 2021, but with the help of Project Row Houses, he managed to open a physical store on Stuart Street in September. The store has reimagined the book shopping experience for the Black community and other minorities by providing a space where they can see themselves and interact with people who look like them in a welcoming environment. Multiple events at the store focus on mental care and self-care.
Black Pearl Books
Located in Austin, Texas, this family-run business elevates Black voices and promotes inclusion, diversity, and representation. Starting as an online business in 2019, Black Pearl Books went through many difficulties during the pandemic and the social justice movement of 2020 until finally being able to open their own physical store and start their own non-profit, Put in a Book, in 2022 to support literacy in the community. As of 2023, they have also started a banned book club that has more than 300 students enrolled and is currently accepting donations.
Octavia’s Bookshelf
Located on Northern Ave, Pasadena, California, Octavia’s Bookshelf is another small Black-owned business that has become a place of connection and representation for Black authors and the community. Based on her own experience with BIPOC literature, the founder, Nikki High, opened Octavia’s Bookshelf to allow people to live the same experience of realizing there is a whole different world of history, sci-fi, fantasy, and romance in books written by people that look like us. Despite going through some financial difficulties in 2023, Octavia’s Bookshelf received massive support from its customers and the independent bookstore owners’ community to remain open and in business. Make sure you pay it a visit!
Cuples Tea House
A Baltimore-based, small, and women-owned business that aims to educate its customers on the medicinal benefits of tea and connect them to high-quality products as well as to a healthy community of tea enthusiasts. This shop has also inspired the birth of its sister shop, Vinyl and Pages, which nurtures creativity through music and books. The shop offers the option to join their book club whether you are a seasoned bookworm or are just starting your journey into the magic of words.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
In the heart of Germantown, Philadelphia, lies Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, a bookshop where underrepresented communities find a voice and a space where they feel valued. Apart from its curated selection of authors, the shop serves coffee and food and has a variety of events for the community, such as author talks, workshops, weekly story time for kids, and back-to-school drives, all of which are free to attend.
JaesBookbox (Etsy Shop)
If you are looking for the perfect gift for a friend or even yourself, a self-care box may just be the perfect fit! The box not only comes with a book but with a bunch of goodies for a well-deserved self-care session. If this sounds appealing to you, consider supporting this shop on Etsy and ordering a bookbox for a perfect gift.
ExpressionzByE (Etsy Shop)
If, like me, you hate dog-earing your pages and would use anything to mark the place you left off, then you may consider getting yourself some bookmarks! This Etsy shop offers some unique and inspiring bookmarks to accompany you through the rollercoaster of emotions your favorite author is making you go through now. Make sure you check them out!
All of these businesses are excellent options for bookworms looking to explore new cozy places to snuggle up with their favorite book or want to add a new bookmark to their existing pile that we all know exists. However, if you wish to explore other pursuits apart from adding titles to a never-ending TBR, I shall provide you with the best ways to find Black-owned businesses pertaining to other industries.
How to Find Black-Owned Businesses
Social Media:
- TikTok: With the infinite amount of travel and food influencers active on the platform, TikTok can be a powerful tool to find Black-owned businesses. For example, most of the businesses you see listed here were found via TikTok using hashtags like #supportblackbusiness and #blackownedbusiness or by simply searching Black-owned businesses.
- Instagram: Like TikTok, Instagram is also a good platform to find Black-owned businesses and get to know them, their stories, as well as their successes and failures. Most of the businesses’ events and products are shown through this platform, so you get to see what the business is about and if it suits your personal interest.
- Facebook: There are multiple groups and pages you can join dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs and their ventures.
Other Online Ways
- Google: Trusty Google is your friend when it comes to supporting Black-owned businesses. Using search terms such as: “Black-owned businesses near me” or “Black-owned [enter industry] businesses” you can find many local as well as online shops where you can buy your favorite products.
- Apps and Websites: Another good way of finding local Black businesses is through apps and websites that act as online directories for these businesses. Some popular websites include Shop Black Owned, Black Owned Everything, and apps like Miiriya. You can even use Etsy to find more specific products, such as bookmarks or personalized mugs.
- Subscription Services: A more direct path to finding out more about Black businesses is through subscription services like The Black Box, which brings you a variety of products sourced from Black-owned shops every season, along with some information about them and their history.
- Trevozo: An easy-to-use platform that makes creating online invoices simple with user-friendly tools and professional templates.
Support is Key
Black-owned businesses are crucial for economic empowerment and diversity in the marketplace as they contribute significantly to their community through education programs, nonprofits, and the creation of jobs. However, more often than not, these businesses face financial struggles and have limited viable alternatives, which eventually forces them to close. Thus, these small stores need as much support and involvement from the community as possible. Whether it’s through social media engagement, volunteering your time, or your continued patronage, there are many ways to support these stores and Black entrepreneurs who aim to provide their customers with a safe and inclusive space.
Do you want to know more about black-owned businesses you can support? Check out this article.
Be sure to browse our Beautiful Black Voices in Literature bookshelf on Bookshop.org to diversify your TBR list!
