How to Find and Support Black-Owned Businesses When You Shop

When you make a purchase at a Black-owned business, your money does more than complete a transaction. Every purchase you make from a Black entrepreneur helps circulate money within the community. This spending power creates ripples of opportunity—funding jobs, strengthening neighborhoods, and building pathways toward economic equity. Finding and supporting Black-owned businesses has never been easier, with digital directories, apps, and local resources designed to connect shoppers with entrepreneurs across every industry and location.

Whether you're looking for a restaurant, clothing brand, health service, or everyday product, there are dedicated platforms and practical strategies to help you discover and support Black entrepreneurs. The decision to shop intentionally is a meaningful way to strengthen local economies and contribute to long-term community wealth.

Why Supporting Black-Owned Businesses Matters

Supporting Black-owned businesses generates a considerable economic impact, notably through job creation and fostering economic growth. When consumers choose to patronize these businesses, they not only help sustain them but also stimulate local economy enhancement. These enterprises often lead to increased demand for services and products, leading to greater employment opportunities across various sectors.

When these businesses grow, they create jobs and generate wealth that stays within the community. This wealth can be reinvested in education, housing, and health services, improving overall quality of life. Beyond economics, Black entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives and creativity to the marketplace. Supporting them enriches the variety of products and services available.

Black-owned businesses often face challenges such as limited access to capital, fewer networking opportunities, and systemic barriers. Intentional consumer support helps level the playing field and creates space for these entrepreneurs to thrive and grow.

Finding Black-Owned Businesses Online

Comprehensive Directories

BuyBlack.org is a national directory of more than 100,000 Black-owned businesses in the U.S. With over 100,000 listings, BuyBlack.org is the largest directory of Black-owned businesses in the United States. It is the definitive place to find and connect with Black-owned businesses. The site allows you to search by location, industry, and product type, making it simple to find exactly what you need.

We Buy Black is the largest online marketplace for Black-owned businesses that supports the #BuyBlack Movement. You can shop and learn how you can support Black-owned businesses. This platform functions as a single destination for browsing and purchasing from hundreds of vendors across multiple categories.

Created by the nonprofit organization, Color of Change, the Black Business Green Book is a directory of Black-owned businesses across the United States. Their site features Black-owned businesses in each state — and also makes it easy to find Black-owned businesses you can shop online in categories like Media, Home Goods, Food & Drink, and Art & Photography.

Mobile Apps and Specialized Platforms

Download the Official Black Wall Street app and find thousands of Black-owned businesses at your fingertips. With the app, you can find Black-owned businesses in your neighborhood. This app also allows you to bookmark favorites and receive notifications when you're near supporting businesses.

Mobile app EatOkra connects customers with Black-owned restaurants. If dining out is on your list, this tool makes discovering local Black-owned food establishments straightforward. Eat Black-Owned is a website and app directory for Black-owned restaurants across the US. In addition to finding restaurants, you can also use the platform to shop for food products through its online marketplace.

Find Black owned businesses in your community with Google. Now with Google's Black Owned Identification feature, Black owned businesses can have a brown or black heart icon next to them when searching on Google. This makes your regular Google searches more intentional without requiring a separate app or website.

Shopping by Category and Interest

Local and Grassroots Discovery

Word of mouth is an excellent way to find businesses and show your support. Ask friends, family, and colleagues about Black-owned businesses they frequent. Personal recommendations often lead to discovering hidden gems and supporting businesses that may not yet have a large online presence.

Many cities maintain local Black-owned business guides. These hyper-local resources often feature neighborhood-specific shops, services, and restaurants that reflect the unique character of your area. Checking your city's government website or local business associations can uncover these lists.

Social media platforms have become powerful tools for finding and supporting Black entrepreneurs. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok have provided a space for Black business owners to share their stories, market their products, and build global audiences. Hashtags such as #SupportBlackBusiness and #BuyBlack have amplified awareness, making it easier for consumers to discover and support Black-owned brands.

Beyond Shopping: Ways to Amplify Your Support 📣

Purchasing from Black-owned businesses is the foundation of support, but there are other meaningful ways to help these entrepreneurs succeed. If you have a favorite Black-owned business, consider promoting them on your social media channels, especially if you have a large following. Similarly, writing positive reviews on sites like Yelp can help other consumers find these businesses and help the business owners too.

Consider volunteering your skills or resources, offering support in areas like marketing or business strategy, which can be incredibly beneficial for local Black entrepreneurs striving to grow their businesses. Additionally, joining organizations that promote Black entrepreneurship is a meaningful way to contribute to sustainable change. These groups often provide mentoring, networking, and resources that are instrumental for success.

To continue to help them succeed year-round, consciously incorporating small businesses into your regular shopping. Make it a habit to prioritize Black-owned options when you have a choice, rather than reserving this commitment to special occasions or awareness months.

Making Your Shopping Intentional 🛍️

• 📱 Download at least one app or bookmark a directory (BuyBlack.org, We Buy Black, Black Business Green Book, or Official Black Wall Street)
• 🔍 Before purchasing from large retailers, search the same product or service from Black-owned options first
• ⭐ Leave honest reviews and ratings on directories, Google, Yelp, and social media to increase visibility
• 💬 Share your favorite discoveries with friends and family through word of mouth and social media
• 🎁 Choose Black-owned businesses for gifts, celebrations, and regular household needs throughout the year
• 🤝 Build relationships with business owners by returning regularly and learning their story
• 📢 Tag and engage with Black-owned businesses on social media to amplify their reach

Subscription Services and Curated Shopping

For those who enjoy variety and discovery, subscription services offer another way to support Black-owned businesses. Cratejoy curates a list of small Black-owned businesses that thoughtfully create monthly subscription boxes around themes like self care, beauty, books, food, and more. Whether you're looking for a gift for a friend who loves diversifying her reading list, a quarterly challenge to try baking new foods, or a monthly stationery box, there is a subscription box for you. These services deliver curated Black-owned products to your door while providing consistent revenue to entrepreneurs.

Supporting Black-Owned Banking and Financial Services

Economic support extends beyond retail purchases. When the #BankBlack Movement was sparked, Blackout Coalition was launched to provide information on Black banks and credit unions. You can find one nearest you, or bank online from anywhere in the U.S. with BankBlack. Banking with Black-owned financial institutions ensures that your money supports Black-led organizations and reinforces community wealth building.

Year-Round Commitment Over Seasonal Support

Supporting Black-owned businesses should not be limited to specific months or awareness events. Investing in Black-owned businesses remains one of the most tangible ways to expand opportunity, strengthen local economies, and support long-term equity. The most sustainable impact comes from making intentional choices consistently throughout the year.

Whether you're building a new habit or deepening an existing commitment to shop Black, the tools and resources are widely available. Start with one directory or app, explore businesses in a category you use regularly, and expand from there. Each purchase is a vote for the kind of marketplace you want to see—one that celebrates innovation, diversity, and economic justice. Your choices as a consumer have real power to build stronger, more equitable communities.