#SupportBlackBusiness - Stephanie Morales is looking to fight gentrification through community ownership. Her business, Made Space Seattle, is a local event and art space rooted in support for Black creatives. Originally an artist herself, Morales has taken on the role of manager, fundraiser, program coordinator, and everything in between — often falling back on her artist income to keep the business running.

#SupportBlackBuiness - During her interview on The Day With Trae with Trae Holiday, Laura Clise, the founder of Intentionalist, shared her inspiring journey and shed light on the impactful work Intentionalist is doing to support Black-owned businesses in the greater Seattle area. 

#SupportBlackBusiness - No one knows the Northwest of the Northwest like Tony Robinson, the owner and sole operator of the charter company Bellingham’s Luxury Tours. Built from his own love of the Whatcom County area, Bellingham Luxury Tours is Tony’s way of sharing his knowledge and passion with curious locals and tourists.

Buddy's journey began in his brother's kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We were stuck at home during COVID," Buddy recalls. "I was trying to replicate the KFC recipe, and I ended up with something that basically beat the recipe." Word of Buddy's delicious chicken and waffles spread to his brother's friends, and "Waffle Wednesdays" soon became a weekly event.

Tina Fahnbulleh's passion for cooking began at the tender age of four, leading her on a flavorful journey from Philly to Minnesota and finally to Seattle. Her culinary adventure started with pop-ups and catering gigs, eventually blossoming into the beloved Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen seven years later.

Besa Gordon hit up Good Day Seattle to rep the Support Black Business campaign—something she and the whole Converge Media squad are serious about. During the segment, Besa talked about the struggles Black-owned businesses are facing. “It really started out earlier this year when we saw a lot of our Black-owned businesses going online and just talking about how they were having a hard time,” Besa shared. “Some were even going out of business. So our quick question was, what can we do to help?”

Via KUOW - What does it take to run a thriving business in Washington? Lately, for a number of business owners around the Sound , the answer seems to be “too much.”

The Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) a City of Tacoma initiative that’s funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce, has listed all funds for Black families and Businesses. The establishments vary in resources that can help the community benefit in more ways than one.

Jenefeness Franke, from Black-Owned Business Excellence, highlights the abundance of available resources and the importance of staying informed. She emphasizes, "We need to be aware that these dollars, these applications, are coming open, and they're short windows because they gotta get the money out."

Small businesses are the heart and soul of Seattle's economy, but they face many challenges in today's economic climate. From rising costs to public safety concerns, these businesses need support to survive and thrive. The City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development (OED) is tasked with confronting these issues head-on and helping provide solutions for distressed small business owners. 

Operating out of a quaint commissary kitchen in downtown Kent, Chop Chop West African Cuisine is a catering company geared toward bringing authentic African food to African Americans in the Pacific Northwest.

We are pleased to announce that social media influencer Mark Quiroz is joining our Support Black Business Campaign as a content creator. Mark is best known for his popular Instagram and YouTube accounts where he creates short-form video content on Seattle lifestyle, travel, and restaurants and businesses.

By: Besa Gordon - On South Tacoma Way, Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar is changing the game for health-conscious living in Tacoma. This isn’t just your average smoothie spot; it’s a vibrant space where health, creativity, and community come together.

By: Besa Gordon - Big Green Thumb Energy: Did y’all know there’s a Black-owned plant AND vinyl shop right in Pioneer Square? Yup, Flora and Fauna, which is also a Buy Black Card by Intentionalist location, is officially my new happy place for all things plants! Whether you’re a plant pro or just trying to keep one alive like me, Flora and Fauna has something for you, and if you need help, it’s owner Ashley Palmer got you covered.

Nestled in the heart of Seattle's Rainier Beach neighborhood, Umami Kushi, owned by Harold Fields, is a culinary gem that tantalizes taste buds and warms hearts. This unique café isn't just another eatery; it's the only Black-owned anime cafe in Seattle and the only cafe that focuses on Okazu Pan, which is a Japanese-style grab-and-go pastry.

Yesterday morning, Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle and FOX SOUL, joined Erin Mayovsky on Good Day Seattle to discuss the urgent need to support Black-owned businesses in Puget Sound. Gordon's appearance was a passionate call to action, highlighting the struggles these businesses face and outlining ways the community can help.

The sixth annual Black-Owned Business Excellence Symposium will kick of Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the McKinney Center for Community & Economic Development, 2120 S. Jackson Street, Seattle. at the McKinney Center for Community & Economic Development, 2120 S. Jackson Street, Seattle.

Seattle's Pioneer Square, a neighborhood steeped in history and charm, is home to a unique and vibrant business called Flora & Fauna. This one-of-a-kind shop offers a delightful blend of plants, vinyl records, and eco-friendly home goods, creating an inviting atmosphere that fosters a sense of community.

Hey everyone! Today was a super cool day. It marked the first day of our Support Black Business campaign, and I decided to put my money where my mouth is and try out a new spot I have never been. I'm always talking about supporting Black-owned businesses, but today I made a conscious effort to find one for lunch.

Creamy Cone Cafe, a vibrant hub of joy and deliciousness in Rainier Beach, is facing a pivotal moment. Ashanti Mayfield, the heart and soul behind the beloved ice cream shop, recently opened up about her uncertainties in an Instagram post, leaving the community both concerned and eager to support.