News & Insights
National Black Business Month: From Awareness to Action
What Is National Black Business Month and Why Should It Matter to All of Us?
How often do we pause to recognize the impact of Black-owned businesses on our economy, culture and communities?
National Black Business Month, observed every August, offers that opportunity. Yet many individuals and organizations remain unaware of its existence or its purpose. At SRB Communications, a Black- and woman-owned small business, this month holds deep significance. It is more than a symbolic celebration; it is a reflection of the ongoing challenges and successes of Black entrepreneurs in America.
Established in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr., National Black Business Month was designed to spotlight the contributions of Black-owned businesses and call attention to the systemic inequities they continue to face (National Today, n.d.). For us and many others, it is a time to elevate stories of resilience and innovation, while asking: how can we move from temporary recognition to long-term investment?
The significance of this month extends beyond numbers. It is a national moment to educate, reflect and act with intention. As we continue, we invite you to explore the origins, impact and enduring importance of National Black Business Month—and how your support can help create lasting change.
Understanding the Origins of National Black Business Month
Have you ever wondered who created National Black Business Month or why?
In 2004, Templeton and Jordan launched this observance with a mission to highlight the power and potential of Black entrepreneurship. Their vision was to not only bring attention to the contributions of Black business owners but also to raise awareness of the disparities that continue to hinder equitable access to resources and capital (HR Unlimited Inc., 2022). What started as a grassroots initiative has become a national platform for visibility, recognition and advocacy.
Why Does National Black Business Month Still Matter?
What does the data tell us about the state of Black-owned businesses?
According to recent estimates, there are more than 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the United States (HR Unlimited Inc., 2022). Black women represent the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs nationwide. These businesses span nearly every industry and serve as engines of innovation, cultural expression and community development.
However, growth does not come without barriers. Many Black entrepreneurs still face limited access to funding, underrepresentation in high-growth sectors and systemic biases in lending and contracting processes. These challenges are not new, but National Black Business Month gives us an annual opportunity to focus attention and resources on creating real solutions.
What Are Cities and Communities Doing to Support Black-Owned Businesses?
How are local governments and organizations using this month to drive impact?
Across the country, cities use August to support and spotlight Black-owned businesses in meaningful ways. In Washington, D.C., the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) promotes National Black Business Month through vendor fairs, entrepreneur features and access to procurement resources (DSLBD, 2024). Similarly, Miami-Dade County hosts community workshops, small business showcases and outreach initiatives that uplift local Black business owners (Miami-Dade County, 2022).
These efforts not only drive consumer engagement but also foster ecosystems where Black businesses can thrive sustainably.
How Can You Support Black-Owned Businesses Beyond August?
What role can individuals and institutions play year-round?
Supporting Black-owned businesses should not be confined to one month. Here are five actionable steps that make a meaningful difference:
- Shop Intentionally. Make Black-owned businesses part of your regular purchasing habits.
- Amplify Their Stories. Use your voice and platforms to elevate their work.
- Mentor and Invest. If you have the capacity, offer your time, funding or professional insight.
- Attend Events. Join workshops, expos and business showcases to learn and connect.
- Advocate for Policy Change. Push for legislation that expands equitable access to capital and contracting.
Change begins with awareness but grows through action. Whether you are an individual consumer, policymaker or corporate leader, your choices influence how inclusive and equitable our economy becomes.
What Is SRB Communications Doing to Advance This Work?
How do we turn our values into action?
At SRB Communications, we lead by example. As a Black-owned and woman-led agency, we are committed to supporting our peers in business through media strategy, inclusive messaging, mentorship and community engagement. Our work during National Black Business Month includes promoting visibility for other Black-owned enterprises, advocating for supplier diversity and sharing stories that reflect strength, resilience and opportunity.
We believe that when Black-owned businesses grow, communities grow with them. That belief guides everything we do.
