Published August 1, 2022
For years, people have been encouraging you to support your local businesses. But have you also been supporting Black-owned businesses? If this hasn’t been a priority in the past, now is a great time to change that—because August is National Black Business Month!
Why It’s Important to Support Black Businesses
Black-owned businesses are a vital part of every community. And supporting them is important for so many reasons. Here are just a few:
- The United States still has a large racial wealth gap; the Federal Reserve estimates the average Black household earns roughly half of what the average white household earns. And supporting Black businesses is a great step towards closing this wealth gap.
- As The Washington Post reports, there’s still quite a bit of racial bias in lending. That means it’s tougher for Black entrepreneurs to find the money to start their businesses in the first place. So, if Black businesses can’t always count on loans, maybe they can count on you.
- When any local business takes off—Black or otherwise—it’s great for the local economy. That’s because it creates jobs and pumps more taxes into the system. As the old saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
- Supporting Black businesses is a great way to honor and elevate Black culture. The more Black businesses that thrive and prosper, the more you’re raising the visibility of Black traditions and Black entrepreneurs.
Indianapolis Black-Owned Businesses
From restaurants to body shops to furniture stores, Indy has a diverse and thriving range of Black-owned businesses. Here are just a few to get you started:
Gordon’s Milkshake Bar
If you find yourself with a little sweet tooth, head over to Gordon’s Milkshake Bar on Mass Ave. for a frosty treat. Some of their most popular flavors include Cookies and Cream, Birthday Cake, and Peanut Butter Brownie. They also have lactose-free options if you’d like to skip the dairy. And judging by the reviews, adults might love these milkshakes just as much as their kids.
Maxine’s Chicken and Waffles
Founded in 2007, Maxine’s has been serving comfort food with “a taste of love in every bite.” They’re obviously known for their chicken and waffles. But you’ll also enjoy their burgers, fried fish, and sweet potatoes. Stop in for some irresistible soul food or have them cater your next event—now located in the Indianapolis City Market.
African Plum Home & More
African Plum is a family-owned furniture shop located just outside of Indianapolis in Plainfield. They offer indoor and outdoor furniture, and even some hand-made decorative pieces. The service is friendly. The selection is great. And they post some amazing coupons on their website. So, pay them a visit next time you’re redecorating.
My Wealthy Wellness LLC
My Wealthy Wellness founder Janessa Siegel started her career in marketing. And she quickly saw how our culture of consumerism leads us all to buy stuff that we simply don’t need. So, she decided to start a business that teaches better spending habits and financial literacy. But more than anything, she’s dedicated to making her service affordable regardless of your income level. Click the link below for more.
Prize Possezions
Prize Possezions is an online clothing store that brings their “quality on a budget” philosophy to an extremely wide selection of clothing. They carry clubwear, beachwear, accessories, and more. So, whether you’re looking for a new halter top or that next pair of sunglasses, Prize Possezions is a great place to build out your wardrobe.
How to Find More Black-Owned Businesses in Indianapolis
A single article could never possibly cover Indy’s entire Black-owned business community. So, make sure you bookmark a few of these directories below and search for Black businesses as your needs arise:
And here are a couple other articles that spotlight even more local favorites:
- IndyFluence: 10 Indy Area Black-Owned Businesses You Can Support Right Now
- Indy Star: 50+ Black-owned restaurants to try
The Black community is still working to overcome a significant wealth gap. And supporting your local Black businesses is a great way to pump more money into the Black community. So, familiarize yourself with some of these Black-owned business directories and do some clicking around. Because the next time you need something, a Black-owned business is always just around the corner.