Celebrating Black Business Month: How to Support Black-Owned Businesses

Rachel Rowell • August 28, 2024

Empowering Black-Owned Businesses: Practical Steps for Meaningful Support

Two people, a man and woman, review a tablet at a bar counter with a liquor shelf in the background.

August marks Black Business Month, a dedicated time to honor and uplift the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and business owners. These businesses are not just the backbone of their communities; they are a vital part of our broader economic landscape, driving innovation, creating jobs, and offering unique products and services that reflect rich cultural heritage.


Supporting Black-owned businesses goes beyond making a purchase—it’s an intentional act of empowerment. When you choose to buy from a Black-owned business, you’re directly contributing to the economic stability and growth of Black communities. This support helps close the racial wealth gap, providing resources that allow these businesses to expand, hire more employees, and give back to their communities.


There are many ways to support Black-owned businesses during Black Business Month and beyond. You can:

  • Shop Local: Seek out and shop at Black-owned stores in your community. Whether it’s a favorite restaurant, a boutique, or a service provider, your patronage makes a difference.
  • Spread the Word: Word-of-mouth is powerful. Recommend Black-owned businesses to your friends, family, and colleagues. Share their products and services on social media to help broaden their reach.
  • Invest in Their Growth: Consider supporting Black-owned businesses by investing in their crowdfunding campaigns, or purchasing gift cards for future use. Your investment helps fuel their growth and sustainability.
  • Engage Online: Follow Black-owned businesses on social media, like their posts, leave positive reviews, and engage with their content. Online visibility is crucial for small businesses, and your support can help them attract new customers.


At The Boost Pad, we’re committed to creating a thriving ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs. We believe that by supporting Black-owned businesses, we can help build a more inclusive and equitable economy. This August, let’s go beyond recognition—let’s take action. Join us in celebrating and supporting Black-owned businesses by visiting theboostpad.org. Together, we can make a lasting impact.


Founder Stories & Startup Wins — The Boost Pad

The Boost Pad community partner spotlight: NC IDEA Foundation, with blue logo and smiling people in inset photos

Community Partner Spotlight NC IDEA Foundation: Investing in North Carolina's Entrepreneurs

By Mark Babaran • June 30, 2026
Behind every successful entrepreneurial ecosystem are organizations willing to invest in people with bold ideas. For years, NC IDEA has championed entrepreneurship across North Carolina by helping founders transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses through education, funding, and ecosystem development. The Boost Pad is proud to partner with NC IDEA in creating meaningful opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. During Cohort 12 Pitch Night , NC IDEA demonstrated that commitment by sponsoring the $5,000 Startup Currency Award , which was presented to Daija Peeler , founder of SevenSixteen. Presented by Sarah Mixter, Director of Ecosystem Engagement at NC IDEA , the award represented more than funding—it represented confidence in a founder's vision and belief in the impact entrepreneurship can have on communities throughout our state. Building More Than Businesses Entrepreneurship requires more than great ideas. It requires access to resources, relationships, education, and capital. NC IDEA continues to play an important role in helping entrepreneurs bridge those gaps by investing in founders at critical stages of their journey while strengthening the organizations that support them. That mission closely aligns with The Boost Pad's commitment to helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses through mentorship, education, community, and access to capital. Expanding Opportunity Every founder deserves the opportunity to pursue their vision. Through programs, grants, ecosystem initiatives, and partnerships, NC IDEA continues creating pathways that make entrepreneurship more accessible across North Carolina. We are grateful for their continued partnership and for their investment in entrepreneurs who are building stronger businesses and stronger communities. Together, we are helping create the next generation of North Carolina founders.
The Boost Pad community partner spotlight for Ally, with blue city skyline and Ally logo

Community Partner Spotlight Ally: Expanding Access to Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship

By Mark Babaran • June 30, 2026
Entrepreneurship flourishes when organizations choose to invest not only in businesses—but in people. The Boost Pad is proud to recognize Ally Bank for its continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening Charlotte's small business ecosystem. As the proud sponsor of both Community Access to Capital and Cohort 12 Pitch Night , Ally helped create opportunities for founders to learn, connect, and prepare for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journeys. From conversations with lenders and investors to Pitch Night presentations before community leaders, Ally's support helped make these transformative experiences possible.
The Boost Pad community partner spotlight: Do Greater Charlotte Spark House promo with two people and logo.

Community Partner Spotlight: Do Greater Charlotte - Spark House - Creating a Home for Charlotte's Entrepreneurs

By Mark Babaran • June 30, 2026
Strong entrepreneurial ecosystems are not built by a single organization.
More Posts