By: US Chamber of Commerce
Numerous organizations and government agencies offer guidance and assistance to Black-owned businesses.
Black entrepreneurs play a valuable role in our nation’s economy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent estimates, the United States has over 161,000 Black-owned businesses, bringing in over $183 billion annually. However, Black Americans remain underrepresented among U.S. entrepreneurs and are often less likely to receive funding from lenders than their white counterparts.
In an effort to help close this opportunity gap, here is an extensive list of resources geared toward supporting Black entrepreneurs.
Black Business Accelerator
Black-owned retailers can sign up for Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator program, which offers various resources for those looking to sell their goods on the e-commerce platform. Participating businesses can access financial support, mentorship opportunities, and education to build their brands and customer reach.
The Black Business Alliance
The Connecticut-based Black Business Alliance (BBA) works with Black business owners both in the state and nationwide to promote and grow small and medium-sized Black- and minority-owned businesses. Since 2014, the BBA has worked with over 600 business owners and professionals to provide economic development, business workshops, networking opportunities, and access to capital.
Black Business Association
The Los Angeles–based Black Business Association advocates for policies to increase access to contract and procurement opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Members can access networking events, training and resources, and funding opportunities designed for Black business owners and professionals.
Black-owned business directories and marketplaces
Several websites and organizations have started Black-owned business directories, including well-sourced sites such as Official Black Wall Street, Support Black Owned, and We Buy Black. These sites make it easy for consumers to find Black-owned companies to support and for Black-owned businesses to increase their visibility. Black business owners can also seek out marketplaces specifically for Black-owned businesses, where customers can buy directly from Black brands.
Black-Owned Business Resource Center
In partnership with NAACP, Hello Alice has launched the Black-Owned Business Resource Center to empower Black entrepreneurs. One resource within the center is the Black Business Corner, an online community for Black business owners to share ideas and support. Black entrepreneurs can also explore the site’s interactive how-to guides and on-platform grants.
Black Connect
The national nonprofit Black Connect provides an entrepreneurial ecosystem for current and aspiring Black business owners. Membership offers a range of support and services, including funding, mentorship, pro-bono legal services, and financial planning. Black Connect also hosts several business-oriented events, including an annual national pitch competition, and spotlights Black-owned businesses and their offerings. Those interested can join one of Black Connect’s chapters (which are available in Atlanta, New York City, Tampa, and Tulsa), or apply to form a local chapter in your community.
Black Enterprise
Black Enterprise is a digital media outlet that covers business, investing, and wealth-building topics for Black entrepreneurs and professionals. The media outlet also hosts in-person and virtual networking events, as well as podcasts like Your Money, Your Life and SistersInc. Black Enterprise also hosts a campaign in partnership with Nationwide to feature Black-owned businesses during Black Business Month (August).
Black Founders
Black entrepreneurs have historically been underrepresented in the venture capital–backed tech startup landscape. To help reverse this trend, Black Founders aims to support Black entrepreneurs in tech by providing access to mentorship and funding. The organization also prioritizes community building by hosting networking events, conferences, and hackathons.
Black Girl Ventures
Black Girl Ventures (BGV) was founded to support Black and Brown woman-identifying founders with access to a community, capital, and training. One of the business’s best-known events is its annual “Shark Tank”–style pitch competition, open exclusively to Black/Brown women founders; the 2024 competition is open to candidates in Austin, Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles. The organization also offers fellowships, digital communities, and an accelerator program for students at historically Black colleges and universities.
Other resources include:
- Elevate Together
- Fast Break for Small Business
- HerRise MicroGrants
- JPMorgan Chase Advancing Black Pathways
- The Minority Business Development Agency
- The National Black MBA Association
- The National Minority Supplier Development Council
- The National Urban League
- SCORE
- U.S. Black Chambers
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Wish Local Empowerment Program
