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August is Black Business Month! The History & Why It’s Important

There are more than two million black-owned businesses operating in America right now, and Black Business Month gives them the support they need to shine.

Black Business Month spans across August and is particularly important when you consider that black businesses currently employ around 1.321 million people and add $1.7 billion to the US economy.

Black businesses are also doing great things for local communities. Here at Black Girl Sunscreen, for instance, we’re working across local communities to spread sun protection and sun safety to otherwise overlooked areas. 

But what is black business month, and what can you do to show your support this August?

The History of Black Business Month

Black Business Month began in 2004 and was the brainchild of historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan. The two partnered with a joint goal of advancing policies that were uniquely impacting over 2.6 million African-American businesses, including issues with gaining financial backing. 

These issues are especially infuriating considering a rich and culturally significant history of black business owners opening crucial, inclusive business spaces like barbers and tobacco shops as far back as the late 1700s.

Now, black-owned businesses account for around 10% of US businesses and 30% of minority-owned businesses. Women of color also account for around 50% of all female entrepreneurs and continue to offer community-led, vital services with an inclusive feel.

Why is Black Business Month So Important?

Black Business Month matters because it shows support and solidarity for typically independent businesses, as well as diverse and communal causes. 

With minority-owned businesses already facing issues including a lack of funding, this support is vital for ensuring brand awareness and sales. Pushes for things like social media shares of black businesses throughout August are especially invaluable for boosting sales, and securing hopefully loyal customers that keep communities rich in these black-owned business gems. A few of our favorite black owned businesses that carry Black Girl Sunscreen:

How Can You Show Support This Black Business Month?

Black Business Month is all about support, and there are a lot of ways to show your support this August, including – 

  1. Shop with black-owned businesses: Few things will be better for showing support this Black Business Month than shopping with the great black businesses across your local community. This is an especially great time to seek out black-owned businesses that you may otherwise not be aware of.
  2. Share black-owned businesses on social media: Sharing posts or purchases from local black-owned businesses across social media accounts can be a great way to increase brand awareness and boost sales for a black business owner. 
  3. Support black-owned business events: Attending, donating to, or actively volunteering for events within black-owned businesses can raise awareness, funds, and even success. Whether these are networking events, open days, or sales, community support will make all the difference. 

Do Your Bit This Black Business Month

Black Business Month is a key event in the corporate calendar, and your support makes a huge difference to minority business owners. Do your bit this black business month by shopping with Black Girl Sunscreen or one of the other black businesses currently doing great things in your local community (listed below)! 

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