August is National Black Business Month so this month we recognize black-owned businesses across the country. Historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. founded National Black Business Month in August 2004. The purpose was to “drive the policy agenda affecting the 2.6 million African-American businesses.”
Black business owners account for about 10% of U.S. businesses and about 30% of all minority-owned businesses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, that amounts to approximately two million companies owned by African Americans. Nearly 40% of black-owned businesses are in health care and social assistance, repair and maintenance, and personal and laundry services. Other categories include advertising firms, auto dealerships, consulting services, restaurants, barbershops in addition to beauty salons, and more.
Among cities, New York has the most black-owned businesses in the U.S. followed by Atlanta. However, 28% percent of businesses are black-owned in Washington, DC which is is the highest ratio of black-owned businesses in the U.S. The growth of black-owned franchise businesses has been explosive. Five years ago 20% of franchise businesses were black-owned but now it is up to 30%.
Take a look at a few of our black-owned business clients below and visit their websites!
Accountable Custodial & Maintenance, Inc.
Accountable Custodial & Maintenance, Inc., founded by Douglas Bolar, is a fully licensed and bonded company. It provides complete Construction Cleaning, final cleaning as well as construction office janitorial services to commercial clients throughout the greater Seattle area. They have over 20 years of janitorial experience in serving government buildings, apartment complexes, construction sites, and their specialty, private & public schools.
Adept Mechanical Services, Inc.
Adept Mechanical Services, Inc., founded in 1993 by Shelton Burr, is a premier provider of Mechanical Construction services. They have been serving the Seattle Area for over 30 years. Their diverse experience covers a wide range of construction and building types. They believe that the best projects result from a sincere commitment to partner with their customers and suppliers and a continuous focus on solutions, rather than problems.
Blue Skies Montessori School Incorporated
Blue Skies Montessori School Incorporated, established in 1997 by Vanita Rodde, is a quality learning center located in West Seattle, WA. They offer a truly unique, innovative, and affordable concept in childcare and preschool education. Their vision encompasses Social and Emotional Learning and they provide comprehensive full-time childcare. They provide the best in Montessori education available for children ages 12 months to 6.5 years.
Central Cafe & Juice Bar LLC
Central Cafe & Juice Bar LLC, created by Bridgette Johnson, is an eco-conscious cafe offering espresso coffees, fresh pressed juice lattes, smoothies, and teas in addition to pastries and deli items. Central Cafe & Juice bar is committed urbanism and to maintaining the historic preservation of their business’s building.
Community Day Center for Children
Lula “Mama” Martin founded Community Day Center for Children in 1963. Lula began with the concept of being a learning safe haven for children ages one to five years. Mama Martin believed in social justice and the importance of all children having equitable access to quality early learning experiences. Community Day Center for Children’s mission is to empower children with positive skills that will help them become capable adults.
Law Offices of Oscar Desper LLC
Oscar Desper is a pioneer in litigation. He specializes in litigation on behalf of individuals and small businesses whose rights have been compromised or disregarded by giant insurance companies. He established his own practiced called: The Law Offices of Oscar Desper LLC. For more than 26 years, they have successfully represented individuals, multiple parties, and various classes of clients. Their primary areas of practice include employment law, civil litigation, personal injury in addition to criminal defense.
Shore View Adult Family Home LLC
Gladys Mwangi founded Shore View Adult Family Home LLC, a locally owned and operated health care facility in Seattle. However, it is a State-licensed single-family residence that offers professional care in a home like setting. It provides medical and personal care therefore encouraging independence to improve residents’ quality of life. Above all, they strive to help their residents live the lives they deserve
About the author
Ashley Minter
Ashley Minter is a contract Communications Officer at Business Impact NW. Ashley is a public relations and communications professional and has worked for numerous organizations in Georgia including the City of South Fulton, City of Union City, Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, and Fulton County. Ashley is also CEO of Ashley Nicole Communications, a boutique public relations firm in Atlanta.