August is National Black Business Month — a dedicated time to recognize the contributions of Black entrepreneurs, highlight the challenges they face, and encourage intentional support from all of us.
Black Business Month was founded in 2004 by engineer Frederick Jordan and historian John William Templeton with a clear purpose: to push for policies and resources that help Black-owned businesses grow. More than two decades later, that mission is still very much alive.
The numbers tell a compelling story. There are now over 3.5 million Black-owned businesses across the United States, generating approximately $249 billion in annual revenue and employing roughly 1.6 million people. Black women-owned businesses have seen some of the fastest growth of any entrepreneurial segment in recent years. And right here in Atlanta — one of the country’s most celebrated hubs of Black business and economic power — that energy is visible every day.
And yet, the gap remains wide. Black Americans make up over 14% of the U.S. population but own only about 3.4% of employer businesses. Access to capital, systemic barriers, and historical inequities have made the road to entrepreneurship steeper for Black business owners than for many of their counterparts.
That is exactly why this month matters. Spending intentionally, referring Black-owned businesses to friends and family, and advocating for equitable policies are all meaningful ways to participate — not just in August, but year-round.
Economic empowerment and legal equity go hand in hand. When communities thrive financially, they are better positioned to access opportunity, protect their rights, and build something lasting for the next generation.
