As protests continue in Columbus and across the nation supporting Black Lives Matter and condemning police brutality, many individuals are looking for additional ways to support the black community by supporting black owned businesses.
Launched in 2018, the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce (COAACC) offers a one-stop-shop for black-owned businesses in the area. Not only does COAACC provide business development and training resources, access to capital and support advocacy efforts, but their website includes an extensive list across a variety of industries.
The List includes businesses across 24 sectors, from professional services like financial services, insurance, realty services and information technology, to food-based businesses, art & home decor, clothing & accessories and more. The List can be found on COAACC’s website at coaacc.org/thelist. Businesses can also submit their information for the directory here.
Even before the recent protests began, Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin had launched a new initiative of support during the coronavirus pandemic. Kicking off on April 23, #BuyBlackThursdays encourages residents to prioritize spending at local, black-owned businesses on Thursdays during the pandemic and beyond. Shoppers can share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #BuyBlackThursdays, #BuyBlack and #ShopBlack.
COAACC’s list serves as the resource for #BuyBlackThursdays’ participants.
Additionally, the community can directly support black-owned businesses impacted by the recent protests through a fund set up by COAACC. According to its website, “Funds received for this effort will be pooled and donated to businesses who suffered damage, to help them cover unexpected costs. If you know of Black owned businesses that need help with unexpected costs as a result of weekend damages, please let us know.”
Individuals can donate at paypal.me/COAACC.
For more information, visit coaacc.org.