August is a time when many prepare their children to get back to school. It's also a great time to plan one more family trip before the Fall. But August is also National Black Business Month! It's an awesome time to support Black businesses and services. Black Business Month was established in August of 2004 by engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. and historian John William Templeton to, of course, help Black businesses grow. But it's also a great time to discuss why many Black businesses struggle to receive bank loans and to identify ways to advocate for public policies to help their economic growth.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 2.6 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. Finding ways to finance those Black-owned businesses shouldn't happen just in the month of August. Here's a few ways to support Black entrepreneurs all year long:
*Shop: Be intentional when buying goods and services from Black companies. Check-out websites like The Black Wallet and WeBuyBlack.
*Share: When you purchase from a Black-owned business, post on social media. Use #NationalBlackBusinessMonth to emphasize the item or event.
*Support: Invest in Black entrepreneurs through crowdfunding campaigns or by attending virtual or in-person events that celebrate them.
*Stand up: Advocate for policy changes that promote equity and access to resources. Connect with local, state or national representatives to fight for changes.
Don't delay the chance to contribute to a Black-owned business. Who will you support today?
