Celebrating Black Business Month
August is National Black Business Month - a time to appreciate, celebrate and recognize Black businesses across the country. As a Minority Woman Business Enterprise (MWBE), the team at LáLew understands both the importance of this month and also the need to support Black businesses year-round.
It is estimated that Black-owned businesses account for only 10% of US businesses overall and about 30% of all minority-owned businesses. Stemming from a long history of systemic marginalization, Black business owners and Black-owned businesses are still underrepresented. This makes encouraging the success of existing Black businesses essential in fostering an environment to support new ones.
Below we share three easy ways to support and recognize Black businesses in order to celebrate our owners, our products and our successes.
1. Buy from Black business
Purchasing the products or services of Black-owned businesses is a foolproof way to endorse our mission. Try searching “Black-owned businesses near me” to find appropriate establishments. For Rochester-based folks, the Black-Owned in Rochester Business Directory is an excellent resource.
2. Show support via social media
By following Black business’s social media accounts, liking our posts and sharing them with others, we’ll have higher visibility to potential customers. Using the #NationalBlackBusinessMonth on social media will also support the missions of and celebrate our businesses.
3. Educate yourself
Knowing the history of Black people and our businesses is necessary to properly recognize and appreciate business owners. Then, once you learn more, the next step is to teach others.
Through the month of August, we encourage everyone to recognize and support Black businesses in all ways possible. Additionally, education plays a key role in progress, so we recommend doing your part in staying up to date on the past, present and future of Black businesses and business owners.
