How to Support BIPOC businesses
While the subject matter may be serious, why shouldn’t you enjoy reading these tips? BIPOC business owners deserve to be celebrated! One of my goals for this blog is to give light to amazing black-owned businesses. If you want to support a local Black Owned Business in Minneapolis MN, then keep reading, or reach out to Ideal Commercial Interiors today for help on your latest project. If you’re looking for a gift, consider purchasing something from a black-owned company. This can be anything from jewelry or candles to apparel or accessories.
Follow your favorite black-owned businesses on social media
A great way to show your support for BIPOC businesses is by following their social media accounts and leaving comments on their posts. This can be a great way to show that you care about what they’re doing and are interested in their products without always needing to buy, buy, buy. When you’re unable to support businesses monetarily, you can help by giving them a boost using social media. You can also ask them questions about their business or what inspired them to start it.
Use the Internet to find new black-owned business
This is especially helpful if there aren’t any black-owned businesses in your immediate area, or if you’re looking for a product or service that isn’t available near you. While you’re online, you can follow their social media pages, and repost their content onto your stories to give the company more attention and traction. You can also ask them questions about their business or what inspired them to start it. The Internet is also a great place to find black-owned businesses that are located in your area. It’s easy to do an online search using keywords like “black-owned businesses” or “black entrepreneurs.”
Avoid tokenizing businesses with products that perpetuate negative racial stereotypes
Tokenism is a practice that gives the impression of fairness, but fails to actually treat people equally. It focuses on preventing criticism only, without making any actual change. Some businesses may appear outwardly to be very supportive of BIPOC communities, while in actuality they only do so to improve their sales and reputation. A good rule of thumb is, if a business is creating products in excess that capitalize off of a movement or idea that supports the BIPOC community, a good chunk if not all proceeds should be donated. This is a good way to ensure that the company is being honest with its intentions, and not just trying to make money off of BIPOC customers. There are many companies who do this, and it’s important that we continue talking about it so that they can be held accountable for their actions.
Support black-owned businesses at home and in other cities where you travel
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of a new product or trend, but it’s important to remember that black-owned businesses are often overlooked. If you find yourself in need of some products that support BIPOC, look into local businesses and stores around your area while traveling. There are plenty of places where you can buy trendy items like clothing and accessories while also supporting black entrepreneurs around you.
Buy from minority-owned local shops when possible
When you’re at home, you should try to buy from minority-owned shops. There are plenty of great options out there, and it’s important to support them so they can continue to thrive. This will also help you avoid supporting corporations that don’t care about black people or their interests. It’s a great way to give back to your community while switching up your daily routine- maybe trying a new restaurant, or buying a new pair of shoes from a store that supports black entrepreneurs.
Give back locally
When you’re at home, try to give back. It’s important to support your local black community, and that means volunteering or donating your time and money. You can donate clothes, toys and other items to charity drives in your area. You can also volunteer at local shelters or food banks- doing so will help out those less fortunate than yourself.
You know that buying from BIPOC businesses supports the community, but it does so much more. Buying from BIPOC businesses is also a way to support excellent design, and quality products. So the next time you’re in the market for any new office furniture, try to support local BIPOC businesses by asking around to get the best product from salespeople who understand you and your needs. BIPOC business deserve the support of their community, and they deserve yours. If you want to find out more about how to support BIPOC businesses reach out to Ideal Commercial Interiors today.
If you’re ready to get commercial furniture help in Minneapolis MN, contact Ideal Commercial Interiors. For the last 10 years, we’ve been a Black Owned Business that prides itself on the ways we serve the communities around us. We are proud to have many different types of furniture, flooring, and interior design services available to suit your particular office space and offer quality products to complete the job right from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more.