Every year, August is National Black Business Month. Although supporting Black-owned businesses is a year-round necessity, historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. founded National Black Business Month in August 2004. The purpose of the specific month is to expand the support of, and spotlight Black-owned businesses across the country.
Find Peer Support
Owning a business can be isolating. It’s important to remember that there are people just like you, facing the same problems, striving, and sharing their successes. Here are some groups local to the PNW that are specifically for Black business owners:
Oregon:
*See More Groups to Join For Other Identities (Women, LGBTQ+, Native American, Latinx, AAPI, and Veterans)
Access Professional Support
There are a variety of resources, programs, funding opportunities, and support you can find local to the PNW. Below are free and low-cost resources available to you through a variety of business professionals:
- Free One-on-One Business Coaching - Get paired with an AASBC Certified Business Coach for free. Business coaching sessions can be held in-person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
- Virtual Drop-In With a Tax Professional - Free drop-in sessions get your general questions answered or for $40 get virtual direct support with your tax questions.
- Free Virtual Drop-In With a Business Insurance Professional - Join a no-commitment drop-in session to get your questions answered about insurance for your small business.
- Free Virtual Drop-In With a Business Law Professional - Join a no-commitment drop-in session to get your questions answered about your small business and the law.
Support & Connect with the Community
Whether you want to just support other Black entrepreneurs or want to connect with other successful people, here are some great PNW local Black-owned businesses:
- Boon Boona Coffee - (Seattle, WA) Founder & CEO Efrem Fesaha set out to put his own mark on the coffee industry. With his Seattle & Renton locations, he does just that offering carefully sourced African coffee here in Washington State.
- Central Cafe & Juice Bar - (Seattle, WA) 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.
- Chef Jalissa Culinary Co. - (Seattle, WA) Chef Jalissa prepares incredible recipes based on fresh, in-season local ingredients. The culinary company offers meal subscription services, pop up events, corporate catering, special occasion events, personal chef service, and more.
- Community Day Center for Children - (Seattle, WA) Lula “Mama” Martin founded Community Day Center for Children in 1963. Mama Martin believed in social justice and the importance of all children having equitable access to quality early learning experiences.
- Good for Chocolate - (Online) Good For Chocolate was founded in 2021 by Aliko Weste, a brand designer with years of experience in the natural food world.
- LBK Customs - (Seattle, WA/Online) Named after owner Laquita Barnett and her two daughters Brianna and Kennedy; this Black-owned, woman-owned, family-owned small business launched during the pandemic with the mission to create custom designs on clothing, mugs, totes, and more
- Roka Foot and Ankle Centers - (Renton, WA) Roka Foot and Ankle Centers is a podiatry practice in Renton, Washington. Under the direction of Jacqueline Buckley, DPM, owner and Chief Medical Officer at Roka Foot and Ankle Centers, patients can expect a collaborative approach to care.
- Sukie's Candle Co. - (Seattle, WA/Online) Sukie's Candle Co. creates candles that have been mindfully sourced using 100% pure soy wax, derived domestically from American farmers.
