How to Support Black-Owned Businesses

Did you know that August is Black Business Month?

In honour of Black Business Month; we want to highlight the ways in which we can all support Black businesses year-round and why it’s so important. When supporting businesses that are Black-owned, Black communities receive support, which helps to create a healthier economy- so everyone wins. 

This support helps to create more jobs, while building a stronger economy and helps to fill the gaps in wealth inequality. Here are some ways that you can support Black-owned businesses this month and every other month. 

1. Be intentional about shopping at Black businesses
2. Write reviews and share your feedback with family and friends
3. Recommend and share their businesses on social media
4. Build relationships with Black-owned businesses

Curious how to find Black-owned businesses in your area? 

• Use Google to search for businesses in your area or across the country. Use keywords like ‘Black-owned’ and be specific about the area or type of business you are searching for.
• Sites like Yelp have badges that indicate if a business is Black-owned, and you can add this to your search whenever you’re using Yelp.
• Black Business Direct is a national directory of Black-owned businesses in Canada. You can choose from different categories ranging from Beauty to Technology to help you find Black businesses in your area.
• AfroBiz.ca is another website that helps you find Black-owned businesses all over Canada. There are currently over 4,500 businesses to choose from and you can filter by city or choose a specific industry to find what you are looking for!
• Search hashtags on social media. It’s important to note that you should first follow members of the Canadian Black community in order to determine which hashtags are the most effective and helpful and then search accordingly.  

Looking for a place to start?  

Here are 12 Black-owned businesses from all over Canada.  

• Cup of Te in Ontario 
• Hill’s Jamaican Jerk Sauce in Halifax 
• Ahinke’s Kitchen in Calgary 
• The Curl Lounge in Toronto 
• Taurean Sun Co. in Victoria 
• Island Flava Caribbean Restaurant in Ottawa 
• Soft and Butter in Ontario 
• Monday May Jewelry in British Columbia 
• Roofs of Lloyd in Nova Scotia 
• Art Today by Alyssa Rae in Montreal 
• Q&A Dog Training in Vancouver 
• Chirah Fitness in Winnipeg 

How will you support Black businesses this month? 

Information referenced from: 

https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/support-black-owned-businesses/ 

https://www.chase.ca/en/resources/articles/how-to-support-black-businesses 

https://www.narcity.com/12-black-owned-businesses-in-canada-to-support-during-black-history-month-all-year-long