Support is a Two Way Street
It’s a critical juncture and with the support going to them, it is a time to address what expectations we might have for Black Owned Businesses. I’ve stated this before, that capitalism isn’t the one thing that can “improve” our communities, regardless of what the system might want us to believe. Owning and operating a business isn’t enough on it’s own. There has to be a comprehensive effort and integration between business, community, government, and the things the government is supposed to provide. So let’s take some time to figure out just what some of the responsibilities Black Owned Businesses may have to the community.
Offer Space to the Community
One way that businesses can give back is by giving space for other activities. Restaurant owners can offer space for community organizers, organizations and leaders to meet. As a business owner, you don’t have to do it all, but offering space for other business owners to meet to discuss issues and create plans are a positive way to have an impact. Other organizations may need to meet as well. Groups like Girl and Boy scouts, PTO organizations, and the local NAACP chapters can use different space and it also gives you as a business owner face time with these groups to share your concerns and ideas.
Host workshops and events. You can take the lead in the community simply by sharing your expertise with the people you serve. Doing events for kids is an awesome way to build a connection with your community but don’t leave out adults. You can offer small workshops, or coordinate and partner with others to bring value to the community and position yourself as a hub.
Help Create an Ecosystem
As a business owner, the number one thing that you can do to help improve and give back is to support other businesses. Helping to build an ecosystem of Black owned Brands that can support one another is a major key. Using B to B services like delivery companies, accounting, marketing, and cleaning help those businesses be able to grow. If you are a professional service and need to provide gifts to clients and employees, look to incorporate Black Owned Businesses into those actions. As you grow, when you can, bring more black owned businesses that you need into your system and hopefully, they will grow and do the same.
Use your platforms to highlight, share and showcase other entrepreneurs. You can also partner and host pop up events, markets and other activities to help pool marketing resources and share customer bases.
Give Back to the Community
Schools, sports teams, and plenty of other groups need support for their efforts. If the community is supporting you, then making the effort to give back and support of these programs are critical to keeping support. It helps to show you are invested in the current and future of the community.
You can also volunteer as a business for community activities. Get outside and into the community to help other movements. You can also offer discounts for community efforts and for those who are giving their time to make the neighborhood a better place.
Create Jobs and Mentorship Programs
Ultimately, the number one goal should be for your business to be stable enough to grow, and hopefully, that means being able to hire others. Being able to hire is a great marker of a solid business. It will also allow you as a business owner to offload other tasks but it is a main way to build an ecosystem.
Collaborate with local high schools, colleges, universities, trade unions and apprentice programs. They are helpful with finding structure and developing programs. You can be instrumental in finding the next generation of leaders by providing them a place to start.
Support Initiatives and Policy
This can be an area that some businesses want to stay away from, however, there are some initiatives and policies that should be less controversial to put your weight behind. It is important for business owners to choose some issues that resonate with themselves and the community that supports them. We need to be able to come together to get things done and without the support of businesses, it can be difficult to do that. This includes donating to, and forming PAC (Political Action Committees) and even lobbying groups for causes that benefit you as a business and the community.
You can partner with local non-profits to bring awareness to issues that are important to the community. Engage with your neighbors and customers to make sure you know what issues they are facing so that you can team up to amplify your voices.
Support Candidates
As we try to effect change, we need to identify candidates that can represent us in the way we would like. As an entrepreneur, you can have a major say in that process. From giving donations, to hosting events, you can enable a new generation of politicians that can work toward bettering our lives and goals.
Be a Stabilizing Force
If you can accomplish some of these goals, you can be a major stabilizing force in the community. This will allow other businesses to feel safe enough to open nearby and continue to build a vibrant community.
Black-owned businesses hold immense potential for uplifting communities, but the responsibility does not end with opening a storefront or providing a service. Through offering space, supporting policy and candidates, nurturing an ecosystem of fellow businesses, giving back to youth and schools, creating local job and mentorship opportunities, and constantly listening to community needs, we can all work toward truly transformative change. By weaving together the efforts of business, community, and government in a comprehensive way, we can help ensure that our neighborhoods thrive—economically, socially, and politically—for generations to come.
