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As you recognize Black history throughout the month of February, take time to support and highlight the Black entrepreneurs leading trustworthy businesses and providing opportunities in your neighborhood. The continued success of Black-owned businesses is crucial to building thriving communities.
Here are nine ways to support Black-owned businesses in your community.
1. Be more intentional about your purchases.
Create good habits by thinking more about where your purchases come from. Consider the stores and brands you support, and research how they interact with their community.
Taking the time to better understand where you shop not only helps you make better purchases but also drives the success of brands that do good in their communities.
2. Shop locally.
Research and visit local Black-owned businesses in your area. Also explore farmers’ markets and support Black farmers and vendors at local markets.
3. Leave a review for the business.
As one of the first places consumers look for information about a purchase, online customer reviews play a huge role in business success. Consumers check online profiles, like those on BBB.org, to see a business’s rating and to get an idea of the general customer experience.
Writing a review for Black-owned businesses you love helps them establish a strong reputation and encourages other shoppers to do business there.
4. Use online platforms.
Use platforms like Official Black Wall Street, EatOkra, or others designed to highlight Black-owned businesses. Also use online customer reviews online and on social media. Many consumers first learn about businesses on social media, and they connect with businesses online to guide their purchase decisions.
Plus, most businesses say social media is their preferred place to build strong customer relationships, according to Sprout Social. Sharing social media posts is one of the most reliable ways to introduce more people to Black-owned businesses.
5. Buy gift cards for friends and family.
Another way to introduce friends and family to your favorite Black-owned businesses is by giving gift cards. Gift cards enable people to try something new without the stakes of spending their own money, and if they have a good experience, they might just become loyal customers.
6. Engage with community events.
Attend events featuring Black entrepreneurs. You can also participate in or sponsor educational events hosted by Black business owners.
7. Invest in professional services.
Hire Black-owned businesses for professional needs like accounting, real estate, or design services. You can also dine at Black-owned restaurants or use their catering services for events.
8. Support organizations that foster Black entrepreneurship.
Think beyond where you shop by supporting organizations that empower Black entrepreneurs. Many organizations provide education, mentorship and grant opportunities to underserved underrepresented communities.
By donating to or volunteering with these organizations, you can help Black business owners grow and achieve their goals. Visit Give.org to find organizations advocating for Black entrepreneurs in your community.
Black History Month is a great time to highlight Black-owned businesses, but you can make an even greater impact by making it a habit to support Black entrepreneurs year-round. When consumers support businesses that make a positive impact, the whole community is stronger.
9. Support Black-owned businesses year-round.
Continue supporting Black-owned businesses beyond Black History Month. You can also support by offering mentorship or professional resources if you're in a position to do so.
For more information
See our consumer tips on the BBB News Feed and BBB Consumer HQ.
BBB of Greater Maryland contributed to this article.