While August is Black Business Month in the United States, many political and business leaders work to encourage African American entrepreneurship and economic development, particularly at a time when the District and nation are facing obstacles from a federal government that has eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and pushed toward erasing parts of Black history.
“August is Black Business Month,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Aug. 2. “D.C.’s Black-owned businesses create opportunities, reflect our values, and fuel the economy. D.C., we encourage you to support a Black-owned business this month and all year long.”
The mayor and other leaders are looking to bolster Black businesses year long as the Trump administration has made it clear its intention to dismantle programs favoring African American entrepreneurs. Further with the president’s policies, some corporations are backing away from DEI programs designed to help companies owned by people of color.
The president’s attacks toward programs that benefit Black entrepreneurs is especially impactful in the Washington metropolitan area because of the large number of African Americans businesses.
Nevertheless, Washington area Black business leaders are undeterred by the present presidential administration and are working to continue their mission of advocacy.
“Black Business Month reminds us that supporting Black entrepreneurship is critical to strengthening D.C.’s economy as our city, creating jobs and ensuring equity as our city navigates significant political and economic challenges,” said Corey Griffin, the chairman of the board of directors of the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce.
The Genesis and Purpose of Black Business Month
Historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan founded National Black Business Month in 2004 and selected August as its month of recognition.
The thrust of the observance is to acknowledge and address the systemic barriers faced by Black businesses and to trumpet the contributions of African American owned firms to the nation’s economy. All Americans are encouraged to support Black businesses through patronage, utilizing social media, advocacy and urging the pursuit of generational wealth and economic opportunity.
Presently, Black-owned businesses represent 2.4% of the nation’s businesses, despite the fact African Americans represent 12.8% of the population, according to the latest census. In contrast, white-owned businesses account for 86.5% of the country’s businesses even though non-Hispanic whites make up 57.1% of the national population, according to the American Community Survey in 2023.
In the District, while exact numbers are different based on the source of data, Black-owned businesses have a strong presence with percentages ranging from 15% to 35% of all firms depending on whose report one considers and the particular year. The District leads the nation in the per capita rate of Black-owned businesses.
The Washington region, which includes the suburbs of Maryland and Northern Virginia, has 8,649 Black-owned businesses, according to a 2022 survey by Lending Tree.
The Bowser administration, through its Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) serves as a conduit for Black businesses.
“DSLBD remains focused on making it easier for D.C. entrepreneurs to access resources that fuel growth and create jobs,” said Rosemary Suggs-Evans, the director of DSLBD in an Aug. 4 statement.
The agency provides resources, financial support and technical assistance to Black businesses and offers grants through such programs as Made in DC x Refashion Market Access Grant, The Ward 8 Community Investment Fund and The FY25 District Capitalized Revolving Fund Manager Grant.
“These grants are about meeting business owners where they are, whether they’re home-based creatives or community anchors in Ward 8,” Evans said. “We are proud to stand with Mayor Bowser in celebrating Black Business Month with real investments that open doors.”
D.C.-Area Chamber Leaders Press Onward
Tonya Poindexter is the chair of the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Poindexter said presently, her organization embraces Black Business Month as a stimulant to promote their African American membership.
“This year, for Black Business Month, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce wanted to go beyond simply highlighting our members on social media,” said Pointdexter to the Informer. “At a time when policy decisions in Washington carry significant consequences for Black businesses, it’s important that our community feels heard and represented where those decisions are being made. That is why we convened a roundtable discussion with Congressman (Eugene) Vindman, bringing our members into the room to speak candidly about the challenges and opportunities they face. The Congressman left with their voices, concerns, and priorities to carry back to Congress.”
Poindexter said, “For us, Black Business Month is not only about recognition, it is about action, advocacy, and ensuring our community has a seat at the table where policies are shaped.”
The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, which encompasses Black-owned businesses throughout the Commonwealth, said it celebrates Black Business Month with intentionality.
“We proudly recognize National Black Business Month with intentional programming that uplifts and empowers,” said Ernisha M. Hall, president of the chamber. “This August, we’re hosting our RegionaLink Up event in Fredericksburg to connect small business owners with capital, resources, and regional partners. We also spotlighted member businesses, sharing success stories, and continuing to expand access through initiatives like our SWaM Certification Labs and our Business Accelerator Program.”
However, Hall made it clear that the work continues into September and beyond.
“But our work doesn’t stop in August,” she said. “We celebrate and support Black-owned businesses year-round. Our mission is rooted in equitable access to opportunity, capital, and community—not just in August or February. Black business excellence isn’t seasonal. It’s essential.”
The D.C. Chamber of Commerce said “(it) is working with DDC (Public Affairs) and the DMPED (D.C. Department of Planning and Economic Development) to gather data and work on coordinating a plan for efforts (regarding Black businesses).”
Griffin emphasized Black businesses must persevere and remain dedicated to their missions not only to thrive, but to strengthen the nation’s capital overall.
“The Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce remains committed to making sure Black businesses have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and help lead the District forward,” he said.
