In today’s economic landscape, the phrase “support Black-owned businesses” has become more than a trending hashtag—it’s a call to action with profound social, economic, and cultural implications. While viral lists, social media shares, and “buy Black” campaigns have helped spotlight thousands of entrepreneurs, long-term, strategic support is what truly sustains and uplifts Black-owned small businesses.
For centuries, systemic barriers—from redlining to discriminatory lending to unequal access to resources—have limited the growth of Black entrepreneurship. Supporting Black-owned small businesses isn’t just about equity; it’s about strengthening local economies, closing racial wealth gaps, and investing in innovation, community resilience, and generational wealth.
Here’s how we can move beyond performative allyship and provide strategic, meaningful, and sustainable support to Black-owned small businesses.
1. Start with Education: Know the History and the Landscape
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand the historical context.
Black entrepreneurs have long faced discriminatory practices—from being denied business loans to being zoned out of profitable neighborhoods. The average net worth of a White family in the U.S. is still significantly higher than that of a Black family, limiting access to startup capital. Fewer Black entrepreneurs receive venture capital funding. These systemic inequalities mean Black-owned businesses often start with less and have to work twice as hard to survive.
Action step: Take time to learn about the historical barriers Black entrepreneurs face. Read reports by the Brookings Institution, NAACP, or the Small Business Administration to understand the disparities in funding, mentorship, and market access.
2. Don’t Just “Buy Black”—Be Intentional with Your Dollars
While buying a product from a Black-owned business is a great start, intentional and repeat spending is what helps them thrive.
Ask yourself:
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Can I switch a monthly subscription to a Black-owned provider?
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Are there Black-owned service-based businesses I can hire for long-term projects?
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Can I encourage my workplace or organization to source from Black-owned vendors?
Every dollar you spend is a vote for the type of world and economy you want to build.
Action step: Create a “conscious consumer” list with categories like books, skincare, wellness, tech, or food—and replace one go-to brand in each with a Black-owned alternative.
3. Share Strategically, Not Just Virally
Social media sharing is powerful—but only when done intentionally.
Rather than just resharing a Black-owned business post with no context, explain why you support them. Highlight what makes their product unique, how their service helped you, or how their business aligns with your values. Personal recommendations are far more effective than reposts with emojis.
Action step: Write a detailed review or testimonial. Tag the business with a photo of you using their product or service. Create a highlight reel featuring your favorite finds.
4. Invest in Mentorship and Knowledge Exchange
Many Black business owners lack access to experienced mentors and professional networks that open doors. If you have expertise in areas like marketing, accounting, legal, tech, or logistics—share it. Time is just as valuable as money.
This isn’t about “saving” anyone. It’s about building reciprocal partnerships that strengthen the ecosystem. Support doesn’t have to be top-down; it can be collaborative.
Action step: Offer a pro bono consultation session once a month to a Black entrepreneur. Better yet, build a mentorship collective with your peers to rotate knowledge support.
5. Push for Supplier Diversity in Your Workplace
If you work in procurement, supply chain management, or purchasing, you’re in a powerful position to advocate for economic inclusion. Many corporations have pledges around supplier diversity but don’t always follow through.
Encourage your company or organization to work with certified Black-owned businesses. This can include caterers, consultants, event planners, graphic designers, IT providers, and more.
Action step: Start a conversation with your procurement department. Share lists of Black-owned vendors. Propose a supplier diversity goal or initiative.
6. Fund the Dream: Capital Is Crucial
Access to capital remains one of the biggest hurdles for Black-owned small businesses. Many are bootstrapped or operate with razor-thin margins. Strategic financial support can be a game-changer.
Ways to contribute:
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Purchase gift cards in advance.
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Offer micro-grants through community groups or crowdfunding platforms.
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Support venture capital firms or angel funds that invest specifically in Black-owned startups.
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Donate to local mutual aid funds that redistribute wealth to small business owners.
Action step: Commit a monthly giving budget to economic justice—supporting not just businesses, but also Black business incubators, innovation hubs, and co-working spaces.
7. Support Black Women Entrepreneurs
Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.—but they receive less than 1% of venture capital funding.
These entrepreneurs often face the compounding challenges of racism and sexism, and are more likely to operate in underfunded industries. Many are solopreneurs, juggling business, family, and caregiving without institutional support.
Action step: Actively seek out Black woman-led businesses in your area or industry. Invite them to speak on panels, feature them in media, or partner with them on projects. Support doesn’t have to be silent—use your platform to elevate them.
8. Get Involved in Local Economic Development
Local policies, zoning laws, and grant programs significantly affect Black-owned businesses. Advocacy at the municipal level can help create fairer conditions for these businesses to grow.
Do your local business incubators prioritize equity? Are Black-owned businesses being included in city-led revitalization efforts? Are there accessible grants for minority-owned startups?
Action step: Attend city council meetings. Advocate for equitable funding. Volunteer with local business associations that serve underrepresented entrepreneurs.
9. Avoid the Savior Complex—Uplift with Respect
Supporting Black-owned businesses isn’t about charity or guilt—it’s about equity, economic justice, and solidarity. It’s important to avoid centering yourself in the process.
Avoid framing your support as “helping the less fortunate.” Instead, recognize that you are investing in excellence, creativity, and the brilliance that’s always been present—but often underfunded.
Action step: Let your actions speak louder than your ego. Ask Black business owners what support they need, and listen without assuming.
10. Be There for the Long Haul
Support doesn’t end after the “Black Business Month” campaign. True allyship is about consistency.
Check in regularly. Celebrate their milestones. Provide feedback that helps them grow. Don’t disappear when the news cycle changes or when it’s no longer trendy.
Strategic support is patient, long-term, and relationship-centered.
Action step: Make it personal. Build real connections with Black entrepreneurs. Consider ways you can collaborate, grow together, and share resources over time.
Conclusion: Redefining Support as Partnership
Supporting Black-owned small businesses is a strategy, not a one-time act of goodwill. It’s about creating a sustainable infrastructure that allows Black entrepreneurs to build wealth, hire employees, innovate boldly, and give back to their communities.
This support happens at multiple levels:
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Individually (spending, sharing, and showing up),
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Professionally (hiring, mentoring, advocating),
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Institutionally (policy change, procurement practices, funding equity).
When you commit to this kind of layered, intentional support, you’re not just helping one business succeed—you’re investing in economic equity and generational change.
The goal isn’t to tokenize, romanticize, or pity Black-owned businesses. The goal is to respect them, trust them, fund them, and build with them—strategically and unapologetically.
