Black History Month 2025
#blackhistorymonth – The Black History Month 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” focuses on the impact of work on the experience of Black people.
Celebrating Black History Month: Empowering Black Entrepreneurs and Women in Business, Black History Month offers a significant opportunity to honor the outstanding contributions of Black entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy and acknowledge their unique challenges. This month, we’re focusing on the rise of Black entrepreneurship, particularly among Black women, and highlighting Pittsburgh Yards’s role in supporting these entrepreneurs in Atlanta.
Here’s a breakdown of key statistics, insights, and opportunities for growth.
- The Rise of Black Entrepreneurs in the U.S. Black-Owned Businesses: Black entrepreneurs in the United States are making an undeniable economic impact.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black-owned businesses generate over $150 billion annually and employ over 1.2 million people. This sector continues to grow, even though Black business owners often face systemic challenges, including limited access to capital and resources. Black consumers in the United States wield significant economic influence, with their collective spending power projected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2030, up from approximately $910 billion in 2019.
Spending Patterns:
- Beauty Products: In 2023, Black consumers spent $9.4 billion on beauty products, with categories like fragrance and hand & body lotion being particularly significant.
- Consumer Goods: Black consumers are known for their brand loyalty and early adoption of trends, influencing various sectors including fashion, beauty, and technology.
The average age of Black entrepreneurs is 45, while the average age of Black women entrepreneurs is 41.
These individuals build businesses, create jobs, contribute to local economies, and pave the way for future generations.
Business Landscape: These businesses make up about 3.5 million of all companies in the U.S., with substantial growth rates over recent years. However, disparities in valuation and funding opportunities still exist, which limits their ability to scale at the same rate as their White counterparts.
- Atlanta: A Hotspot for Black-Owned Businesses.
Business Landscape in Atlanta: Atlanta has earned a reputation as a key city for Black-owned businesses, boasting the highest rate among major U.S. metros. 8.8% of companies in Atlanta are Black-owned, a significant increase from 7.4% in 2020 (LendingTree).
Economic Impact: These businesses are integral to Atlanta’s economy, contributing significantly to local job creation and innovation. While economic disparities remain, the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has evolved, with a robust network of resources helping Black entrepreneurs succeed.
Support Ecosystem: Organizations such as the Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce, Invest Atlanta, Our Village United and provide critical support and mentorship, driving growth for Black entrepreneurs across industries. These institutions help overcome barriers such as access to capital and foster a more equitable business environment.
- Black Women Entrepreneurs: Breaking BarriersGrowth in Black Women-Owned Businesses: Black women are the fastest-growing demographic of business owners in the U.S.
With over 2.7 million businesses owned by Black women, these entrepreneurs generate over $60 billion annually.
According to the National Women’s Business Council, the growth of Black women-owned businesses increased by 32.7% between 2019 and 2023. Challenges: Despite their rapid growth,
Growth Rate: Between 2019 and 2023, Black women-owned businesses grew to 2.1 million, with average revenues increasing by 32.7% to $47,300.
Black women entrepreneurs face significant challenges, including a lack of venture capital and mentorship access. These obstacles can limit the growth and scalability of their businesses, but many have found ways to succeed through community support, resilience, and creativity.
Prospects for Growth: Black women entrepreneurs are expected to continue growing, with more women entering industries traditionally dominated by men, such as tech, real estate, and finance. Programs and resources to support their growth are more available, providing the tools needed to scale and succeed.
- Black Consumer Spending and Support for Black-Owned Businesses
Spending Habits: Black households contribute significantly to the success of Black-owned businesses. Research shows that Black households spend more than $1.4 trillion annually on goods and services. Much money is spent supporting Black-owned businesses, particularly in beauty, fashion, health, and entertainment.
Where and Why: According to Nielsen, Black consumers spend the most on beauty products, apparel, and food. With the growing interest in supporting Black-owned brands, Black women mainly invest in products that resonate with their culture, values, and lifestyle. Black women also lead the charge in spending on wellness and self-care products, making them powerful drivers of consumer trends.
- Pittsburgh Yards: Pittsburgh Yards Supporting Black Entrepreneurs and Innovators and Women Entrepreneurs
At Pittsburgh Yards, more than 50% of our business leaders are women. We proudly support the growth of Black women entrepreneurs by offering affordable, flexible workspaces, networking opportunities, and resources to help them thrive.
Pittsburgh Yards is home to businesses like Pink Pothos, Jayidache Tea Spot, A House Called Hue, and Badie Designs. Women entrepreneurs can scale without the financial burden of traditional office spaces. By providing a collaborative environment, we give women the support they need to turn their business ideas into reality. Through partnerships with organizations like Atelier 7, we also help entrepreneurs access the tools they need to grow and scale, ensuring they have everything they need to succeed.
At Pittsburgh Yards, we understand their unique challenges and are committed to providing a thriving ecosystem where these entrepreneurs can succeed, grow, and transform industries.
Here’s how we’re supporting Black entrepreneurs, from Atlanta to Pittsburgh Yards, and why it matters:
1️⃣ Flexible Office Spaces for Every Entrepreneur At Pittsburgh Yards, we provide affordable, flexible office options that allow entrepreneurs to grow without the financial burden of managing a traditional storefront. This flexibility helps businesses scale while maintaining access to key resources and networking opportunities.
2️⃣ Empowering Leadership and Community In our South Wing, leaders like Ronda Flynn, Badie Designs, and Our Village United empower entrepreneurs to succeed and make a difference in their communities. Programs like Close Ties Leadership Program and Capital B Newsroom are shaping young leaders and sparking social change.
3️⃣ Innovating Through Food and Wellness The West Wing is where food, wellness, and innovation intersect. From Sweet Sol’s hot sauce to Jayidache Herbal Tea Shop’s life-changing teas, Black entrepreneurs are not just meeting market needs but transforming the wellness industry, one product at a time. Additionally, real estate powerhouses like Pat Houston Realty and Area West Realty are reshaping Atlanta’s landscape and creating growth opportunities.
4️⃣ Building Stronger Communities and Families In the North Wing, organizations like Father’s Incorporated, The Happy Black Parent, and Your Crescendo are focused on strengthening families and building supportive communities. These efforts are vital in empowering Black families, and we’re proud to support them. Moreover, organizations like Brag Dream Team, STEAM Truck, Next Gen ATL, 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation, and The Literacy Lab are making a significant impact by preparing young Black lives for a bright future—fostering education, leadership, and empowerment.
5️⃣ Cost-Effective Solutions for Small Businesses A storefront can be an expensive, out-of-reach option for many entrepreneurs. That’s why we offer cost-effective office spaces that allow businesses to thrive without the financial strain of significant independent locations. Whether you need a private office or a shared workspace, Pittsburgh Yards is designed to support your growth.
Let’s Build Together At Pittsburgh Yards, we’re not just providing office space—we’re providing the resources, support, and community that help Black entrepreneurs thrive. This Black History Month, let’s continue to grow, build, and shape the future of Atlanta and beyond. Whether you’re a creative, small business owner, or visionary entrepreneur, Pittsburgh Yards is where you belong.
- How can you support Black Entrepreneurs?
Shop and Invest: As consumers, we can make a significant impact by consciously supporting Black-owned businesses. Shopping from Black-owned boutiques, salons, and other services helps these businesses grow and thrive.
Advocate for Policy Change: Supporting policy reforms that provide Black entrepreneurs with access to resources, funding, and mentorship is essential. Advocating for increased funding for Black-owned startups and greater access to contracts can help ensure these businesses have the same opportunities to succeed.
- Celebrating Black History Month at Pittsburgh Yards
Event Schedule
Flowers and Seeds Gala from ADAMAATL
Paint and Chill – Ste(A)M Truck
Books That Built Your Business – Our Village United
Nourish and Thrive: Healthy Hearts Matter – Dr. FlavaFather’s Inc
I Am A Dad Podcasts – Starting Feb 1st with Dorsey Levens