BUFFALO, N.Y. — To celebrate Black History Month, several Black business owners gathered at Brothers Restaurant and Bar to announce the Black-Owned Business Crawl.
There are 12 black-owned businesses in downtown Buffalo, according to Mayor Byron Brown. 10 out of 12 companies participated. A list of vendors can be found here.
The business tour will promote Black businesses in Buffalo in conjunction with Black History Month, said Brandi Meriwether with the Buffalo Metropolitan Development Authority.
“It's important to us to support them, not only because they're Black-owned, but because they sell such unique products,” Meriwether said.
Forbes reports that there are approximately 3 million black-owned businesses in the United States. Black entrepreneurs start businesses every year, but only 4% of them survive, according to a Bankrate report.
Business travel spans a variety of mediums. Every company has special promotions. Shop local at beauty salons and retail stores, or enjoy fresh meals at nearby restaurants.
The head chef at Brothers Restaurant and Bar said he doesn't see many black-owned businesses growing.
Ramone Anderson said, “In our time there weren't that many black businesses. If there were still black businesses today, you'd be happy to have that support year-round.”
In fact, that's exactly what Jack Reed IV said. He lives and runs his Proof clothing store on Genesee Street with four of his other people.
“All of us downtown business owners are struggling. Unfortunately, since COVID-19, we haven't seen the shine that downtown had,” Reed said.
He said he feels businesses are struggling because of the way they think.
The crawl begins Thursday, February 22nd and runs through March 2nd. The restaurant's promotion will run from noon to 3 p.m., followed by happy hour specials from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.