Support Charles County Black-Owned Businesses

August is National Black Business Month, a time to recognize and support Black-owned businesses across the country. The concept of National Black Business Month is not complicated--the community makes a conscious effort to support Black-owned businesses to promote community economic stability.

The History

The history of National Black Business Month goes back to 2004, when Frederick E. Jordan teamed up with John William Templeton to recognize August as National Black Business Month. Throughout August, Jordan and Templeton asked local government officials, community leaders, and venture capitalists to focus attention on creating a setting in which Black-owned businesses could strengthen their sales and employment numbers.  Read more.

The Demographics

According to a United States Census report, nationally the proportion of Black-owned businesses account for 9.4 percent of all firms, which is still below the 13.1 percent black or African Americans share of the U.S. adult population.  In 2012, there were 5,024 minority-owned businesses operating in Charles County. Of the 5,024 total, 78% (3,916) were Black-owned; however, only 196 of those 3,916 Black-owned firms had employees, totaling 942.  Their total sales and receipts equaled $112,505,000.

 
Research continues to show that Black-owned businesses tend to be smaller and generate lower profits than other non-black-owned businesses. They are also less likely to get access to seed or start-up money, successful mentors, prominent networks, credit financing, and generational wealth.

 
Given Charles County’s unique position and circumstances, being a predominantly Black community, we encourage all county residents to redirect a portion of their spending power to shop with a Black-owned business to help to strengthen the local economy. 

Resources to Grow

Below are some of the top government and private sector business resources that can help all small businesses to grow, especially Black-owned businesses.