How Can You Support?
With so many issues ahead of us, it seems like everything we could do to fix it is complicated and overwhelming. Lending your voice to the movement doesn’t have to be complicated and we look at economic empowerment as being at the heart of the fight. One way to provide that is by being intentional and making the conscious effort to support Black Owned Businesses. One way to do so is by intentionally choosing to shop at Black-owned businesses. By supporting these businesses, you can help close the racial wealth gap, uplift Black voices and perspectives, and contribute to the growth of local economies. However, simply wanting to support Black-owned businesses is not enough. It’s important to also know how to do so effectively. In this blog post, we’ll provide practical tips for consumers who want to put their dollars towards supporting Black-owned businesses.
Be Intentional
You will have to be intentional to support Black Owned Businesses and actively seek them out. This requires a bit of research and mindfulness, but it’s well worth the effort. Start by doing a search for Black-owned businesses in your area, or browse online directories such as BuyBlackMainStreet.com to find a variety of options. When shopping in person, keep an eye out for storefronts and signs indicating that the business is Black-owned. By actively seeking out Black-owned businesses, you can help ensure that your dollars are going towards supporting these entrepreneurs and their communities.
5 Ways to Support Black Businesses
Social media and word of mouth are great ways to support Black Owned businesses. People want to feel like they can trust who they spend their money with. Share your positive experiences with friends and family, and encourage them to support the business as well. This helps to increase the business’s visibility and customer base.
To make it easier to share on social media, follow businesses on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing. You also can spread the word on these businesses in smaller online communities where you may have a stronger influence. This can help to increase the business’s reach and attract new customers. Leave a positive review on review sites such as Yelp or Google Reviews. This can provide valuable feedback for the business and help to attract new customers who are searching for businesses to support.
Buy, and Buy Again
Become a repeat customer. By returning to a business regularly, you are not only showing your support, but you are also contributing to their bottom line and helping them to grow. You can also provide valuable feedback to the business owner, which can help them to improve their products or services. Then when you refer friends and family to the business, they know that you are a serious supporter. By building a strong relationship with a Black-owned business, you are not only supporting their success, but you are also contributing to the growth and economic empowerment of the Black community as a whole.
Supporting Black-owned businesses is more than just making a purchase, it’s about making a conscious decision to support an underrepresented community that deserves recognition and economic empowerment. By implementing these practical tips and making an effort to support Black-owned businesses, we can help bridge the economic gap and work towards a more equitable future. Every dollar spent at a Black-owned business is an investment in a community, a family, and a future. Let’s continue to uplift and support each other, one purchase at a time.
