National Black Business Month
August 1 - August 31
About National Black Business Month
National Black Business Month is observed throughout August each year to recognise, celebrate and support Black-owned businesses across the United States. In 2026 it runs from Saturday, 1 August to Monday, 31 August. The month encourages consumers to shop with Black-owned firms, highlights the challenges these entrepreneurs face, and pushes for greater equity in business and finance.
What is National Black Business Month?
National Black Business Month is an annual observance dedicated to the millions of Black-owned businesses in the United States. It was created to drive the policy agenda affecting African American businesses and to empower Black entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. Throughout August, organisations, consumers and business leaders are encouraged to celebrate Black-owned enterprises, learn about their contributions, and redirect a portion of their spending towards them.
When is National Black Business Month?
National Black Business Month takes place every August. In 2026 it begins on Saturday, 1 August and ends on Monday, 31 August. The observance spans the full month, giving plenty of time for events, campaigns and sustained support rather than a single day of recognition.
Why National Black Business Month Matters
When the observance was founded, it aimed to drive the policy agenda affecting around 2.6 million African American businesses. Black entrepreneurs have historically faced greater barriers to accessing funding and financial backing, a reality that directly inspired the month’s creation. As co-founder John William Templeton put it, redirecting even a small portion of individual spending could dramatically increase the sales of Black-owned businesses. Supporting these firms helps build wealth within communities, create jobs and address long-standing inequities in entrepreneurship. If you value backing independent enterprise, you may also be interested in Supporting Small Businesses Abroad Day.
How to Get Involved in National Black Business Month
There are many practical ways to take part throughout August:
- Shop with Black-owned businesses – Seek out and buy from Black-owned shops, restaurants and online stores, both during August and beyond.
- Discover new firms – Use directories and local guides to find Black-owned businesses you have not tried before.
- Spread the word – Recommend Black-owned businesses to friends, family and colleagues, and leave positive reviews online.
- Attend events – Look out for pop-up markets, networking sessions and panels celebrating Black entrepreneurship.
- Share on social media – Highlight your favourite Black-owned businesses to your followers using the month’s hashtags.
- Mentor or volunteer – Offer skills, advice or time to support emerging Black entrepreneurs.
- Advocate for equity – Support policies and lenders that improve access to capital for Black-owned businesses.
History of National Black Business Month
National Black Business Month was founded in August 2004 by two figures with complementary expertise. Frederick E. Jordan Sr, an engineer and business owner, had personally struggled to secure the financial backing he needed when launching his own firm in 1969. That experience left him acutely aware of the unique obstacles facing Black entrepreneurs.
Jordan joined forces with John William Templeton, a historian and the president and executive editor of the scholarly publishing company eAccess Corp. Together they established the month with the explicit aim of driving the policy agenda affecting African American businesses and empowering Black business owners across the country.
Since 2004 the observance has grown steadily, embraced by companies, civic organisations and consumers who use August to spotlight Black-owned enterprises and renew their commitment to supporting them throughout the year.
Noteworthy Facts About National Black Business Month
- National Black Business Month was founded in August 2004.
- Its co-founders were engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr and historian John William Templeton.
- The observance set out to drive the policy agenda affecting around 2.6 million African American businesses.
- Jordan’s own difficulty obtaining funding in 1969 helped inspire the month.
- A central message is that redirecting a small share of everyday spending can significantly boost Black-owned business sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Black Business Month?
It is an annual observance held throughout August in the United States to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses and to advance equity in entrepreneurship.
When is National Black Business Month in 2026?
It runs for the whole of August, from Saturday, 1 August to Monday, 31 August 2026.
Who founded National Black Business Month?
It was founded in 2004 by engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr and historian John William Templeton.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Black Business Month with your friends, family and followers. Use the hashtags #BlackBusinessMonth and #BlackBusinessMonth2026 on social media. The more people who choose to support Black-owned businesses, the bigger the impact on communities across the country.
Related Awareness Days
- Supporting Small Businesses Abroad Day – A complementary day championing independent businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Flexible Working Awareness Day – An observance focused on modern, equitable approaches to work and enterprise.
- International Women in Engineering Day – A day promoting inclusion and representation in business and the professions.
Links
Featured image: Photo by Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash.
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