Travelers often struggle to figure out how to support Black-owned businesses without spending money. Amplifying these establishments and returning to spots you love can make a major difference when you cannot spend your coins. While paying for goods provides direct financial uplift, there are other valuable ways to support entrepreneurs that do not involve opening your wallet.
Expand Your Network
Creating connections between Black-owned business owners and industry professionals can be invaluable. Making an introduction seems like a simple gesture, but the possibilities for where a connection can lead are endless. As a traveler, you have the chance to connect businesses in your destination with other local establishments, those back home, or even those in destinations you have visited in the past.
The goal is to introduce someone at the business, ideally the owner, to someone who can further amplify the establishment or provide a service that helps the business scale. You might connect a local tour operator with a photographer, or a manager at a hotel with a restaurant owner. This kind of networking relies on the personal relationship you build with a business while traveling.
Bringing your friends to a favorite spot is also worthwhile. Just because you do not buy anything that day does not mean the additional foot traffic you bring in will not result in sales. Regular customers are the best people to introduce others to a business, as they can brag about the products and service from their firsthand experience.
Share Your Experience
Leaving reviews is impactful even if it seems like a small, mundane action. While positive notes can drive new patrons to the business, what matters most is leaving an honest summary of your experience. A thoughtfully written review helps others decide whether to visit and provides detailed feedback the owner can use.
You should add standout or significant details about your experience, information about the establishment’s layout, and notes about the quality of the customer service and/or products. Even if your feedback is critical, it can help a business improve in the future. As a traveler, sharing information about the business that other visitors would appreciate knowing before their visit adds value to the local community.
Use Social Media
Interacting with Black-owned businesses on social media is another way to promote them, by posting about the business, commenting on their page, liking and sharing their content, which can help increase their online presence and reach a wider audience.