Augusta Launches Digital Passport for Black-Owned Businesses

News Summary

Augusta has officially launched the ‘Augusta’s Bold Black-Owned Business Pass,’ a free digital passport aimed at promoting and celebrating the local Black-owned businesses. This initiative coincides with Black History Month and encourages residents and visitors to explore various Black-owned restaurants and attractions while earning rewards. With significant representation by women in ownership, this passport underscores the importance of supporting minority-owned enterprises and enriching the local economy.

Augusta Rolls Out Digital Passport to Shine a Spotlight on Local Black-Owned Businesses!

Exciting news is brewing in the charming city of Augusta! The city has just launched a fantastic free digital passport called the Augusta’s Bold Black-Owned Business Pass. This snazzy tool is designed to guide residents and visitors alike to explore the delightful array of Black-owned restaurants, engaging experiences, and buzzing nightlife that Augusta has to offer. The big aim? To celebrate and uplift the local Black business community, filling the streets with creativity, flavor, and that entrepreneurial spirit that Augusta is known for.

What’s Inside the Passport?

Curious about what this digital passport offers? Users can easily sign up and start their journey right away. Once registered, it’s as simple as checking in at participating locations to earn some really cool exclusive prizes! It’s an excellent way to not only uncover hidden gems and favorite spots but also to actively support those business owners who showcase their rich heritage and unique offerings.

Why It Matters: A Look at Black History Month

Launching this passport in February is particularly significant, as it is Black History Month – a time when we highlight and recognize the ongoing inequalities faced by Black Americans. Even in this progressive era, Black-owned businesses are still underrepresented in the American entrepreneurial landscape. To put it into context, as of 2022, a mere 3.3% of businesses across the U.S. were Black-owned. But hey, there’s a silver lining! This figure shows a commendable increase of 22.2% from the prior year. Now that’s something to celebrate!

Women Leading the Way

Remarkably, the entrepreneurial landscape amongst Black-owned businesses is thriving, especially with women at the helm. About 39.1% of these businesses are owned by women, contrasting with just 22.3% of all businesses nationwide. Isn’t that an empowering statistic? It’s all about breaking barriers and rewriting narratives.

Where Does Augusta Stand?

A look at the larger picture reveals some interesting statistics. When it comes to Black-owned businesses, Atlanta takes the lead nationally with a whopping 11.3%. Not too far behind is Fayetteville, NC with 10.1%, and Virginia Beach, VA with 9.4%. But what about Augusta? In 2022, Augusta tied with Memphis, each city home to 579 Black-owned businesses, making up 6.7% of their total business landscapes.

The Industry Breakdown

Now let’s chat about industry representation. The health care and social assistance sector dominates, holding 25.6% of Black-owned businesses. It’s a pattern that reflects a community-centered approach to service. On the flip side, if you’re curious about where Black business representation is at its lowest, look no further than Salt Lake City, which has only 0.8% of its businesses self-identified as Black-owned.

Augusta’s Growing Support for Minority-Owned Businesses

Things are looking up for Augusta! With the city’s recent initiatives, including the much-anticipated opening of its very first Black-owned brewery, it’s clear that significant strides are being made to support minority-owned businesses. This enthusiastic push is showing everyone that the local Black business scene is alive and kicking, eager to be explored. So, we encourage everyone to grab their digital passports and get ready for a culinary and cultural adventure like no other!

Don’t wait! Jump on board the Augusta’s Bold Black-Owned Business Pass and celebrate the spirit of Augusta while supporting the vibrant Black-owned businesses that contribute so much to our community.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• LendingTree: Black-Owned Businesses Study
• Travel Noire: US Cities with Most Black-Owned Businesses
• Black Enterprise: Cities with Most Black-Owned Businesses
• Augusta Chronicle: Program to Fund Minority-Owned Businesses
• WRDW: Augusta’s First Black Brewer
• Wikipedia: Black-owned businesses in the United States
• Google Search: Black-owned businesses
• Google Scholar: Black-owned businesses
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Black-owned businesses
• Google News: Black-owned businesses