Various, February 3, 2026
Across the United States, Black-owned businesses are making significant strides in downtown areas, enhancing economic growth and cultural diversity. Notable developments include the opening of Grassrootz Bookstore in Phoenix, the creation of a Black business incubator at The Pitt Building in Pittsburgh, and the Michigan Black Business Alliance’s new hub in Detroit. Additionally, programs like Baltimore’s BOOST program continue to support the establishment of Black-owned businesses, promoting inclusivity and empowerment in urban centers.
Black-Owned Businesses Expand Presence in Downtown Areas
Nationwide—In recent developments, several Black-owned businesses have established or expanded their operations in downtown areas, contributing to economic growth and cultural diversity in urban centers.
Grassrootz Bookstore Opens in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona—Grassrootz Bookstore, Phoenix’s only Black-owned bookstore, has opened a new location near downtown. The store specializes in African-American literature, history, and culture, and features a juice bar, coffee shop, and collaborative workspace for the community. Grassrootz began in 2019 and has been a significant addition to the city’s cultural landscape.
The Pitt Building Acquired in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—The nonprofit organization The Greenwood Plan has acquired The Pitt Building, a three-story structure occupying an entire block on Smithfield Street. The organization plans to transform the building into a Black business incubator, offering opportunities for Black-owned businesses to operate in downtown storefronts. The acquisition aims to revitalize the area and support local entrepreneurs.
Michigan Black Business Alliance Opens New Hub
Detroit, Michigan—The Michigan Black Business Alliance has opened a new 5,000-square-foot hub at Grand Park Centre in downtown Detroit. The facility provides co-working spaces, conference rooms, a wellness center, and classrooms to support Black entrepreneurs. The hub is part of the alliance’s efforts to empower entrepreneurs and drive economic equity in the region.
Downtown BOOST Program in Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland—The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s Black Owned and Operated Storefront Tenancy (BOOST) Program continues to support Black-owned businesses in the city. The program offers strategic support, professional guidance, and funding to help Black-owned small businesses establish a physical presence in downtown Baltimore. Recent cohorts have introduced new businesses to the area, contributing to the city’s economic development.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Durham
Durham, North Carolina—Downtown Durham is home to several Black-owned businesses, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. These establishments offer a variety of services and products, contributing to the vibrant downtown community. Supporting these businesses fosters inclusivity and economic empowerment in the region.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma—Four Black women business owners have opened storefronts adjacent to each other in downtown Tulsa. Their businesses, which began as online ventures, have benefited from the Downtown Tulsa Partnership’s Holiday Pop-up Shop program, allowing them to establish a physical presence in the heart of the city. This initiative supports emerging entrepreneurs and contributes to the local economy.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Brooklyn
Brooklyn, New York—Downtown Brooklyn hosts a variety of Black-owned businesses, including Da Spot, a boutique founded by entrepreneur Michelle Cadore. Da Spot provides space, visibility, and marketing for over 25 independent Black-owned brands, fostering a supportive community for entrepreneurs. Supporting these businesses promotes inclusivity and economic empowerment in the area.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Inglewood
Inglewood, California—Black-owned businesses in downtown Inglewood, such as a local bookstore, are facing challenges due to rising commercial rents. Despite these obstacles, the community continues to support these businesses, highlighting the importance of maintaining Black-owned spaces in urban areas.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Seattle
Seattle, Washington—Cafe Campagne, a Black-owned French restaurant located in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, offers a menu featuring dishes like asparagus salad, brioche French toast, and pan-roasted chicken. The restaurant has been recognized as one of the city’s top dining establishments, contributing to the diverse culinary scene in downtown Seattle.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California—Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, an independent coffee chain founded by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan, has expanded its presence in downtown Los Angeles. The business aims to create an inclusive, energetic space that serves as a hub for the local community, offering quality coffee and a welcoming environment.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland—Harborplace, a waterfront area in downtown Baltimore, has been revitalized with the addition of Black-owned businesses through the BOOST Program. This initiative aims to activate the area and prevent it from becoming underutilized, contributing to the economic development of downtown Baltimore.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina—East Hargett Street, historically known as a hub for Black-owned businesses, is undergoing revitalization efforts. The area aims to support Black entrepreneurs and contribute to the cultural and economic growth of downtown Raleigh.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Portland
Portland, Oregon—Black-owned businesses in downtown Portland are working to overcome challenges such as rising commercial rents and economic downturns. Community support and initiatives are crucial in sustaining these businesses, which play a vital role in the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona—Grassrootz Bookstore, Phoenix’s only Black-owned bookstore, has opened a new location near downtown. The store specializes in African-American literature, history, and culture, and features a juice bar, coffee shop, and collaborative workspace for the community. Grassrootz began in 2019 and has been a significant addition to the city’s cultural landscape.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Seattle
Seattle, Washington—Cafe Campagne, a Black-owned French restaurant located in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, offers a menu featuring dishes like asparagus salad, brioche French toast, and pan-roasted chicken. The restaurant has been recognized as one of the city’s top dining establishments, contributing to the diverse culinary scene in downtown Seattle.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California—Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, an independent coffee chain founded by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan, has expanded its presence in downtown Los Angeles. The business aims to create an inclusive, energetic space that serves as a hub for the local community, offering quality coffee and a welcoming environment.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland—Harborplace, a waterfront area in downtown Baltimore, has been revitalized with the addition of Black-owned businesses through the BOOST Program. This initiative aims to activate the area and prevent it from becoming underutilized, contributing to the economic development of downtown Baltimore.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina—East Hargett Street, historically known as a hub for Black-owned businesses, is undergoing revitalization efforts. The area aims to support Black entrepreneurs and contribute to the cultural and economic growth of downtown Raleigh.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Portland
Portland, Oregon—Black-owned businesses in downtown Portland are working to overcome challenges such as rising commercial rents and economic downturns. Community support and initiatives are crucial in sustaining these businesses, which play a vital role in the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona—Grassrootz Bookstore, Phoenix’s only Black-owned bookstore, has opened a new location near downtown. The store specializes in African-American literature, history, and culture, and features a juice bar, coffee shop, and collaborative workspace for the community. Grassrootz began in 2019 and has been a significant addition to the city’s cultural landscape.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Seattle
Seattle, Washington—Cafe Campagne, a Black-owned French restaurant located in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, offers a menu featuring dishes like asparagus salad, brioche French toast, and pan-roasted chicken. The restaurant has been recognized as one of the city’s top dining establishments, contributing to the diverse culinary scene in downtown Seattle.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California—Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, an independent coffee chain founded by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan, has expanded its presence in downtown Los Angeles. The business aims to create an inclusive, energetic space that serves as a hub for the local community, offering quality coffee and a welcoming environment.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland—Harborplace, a waterfront area in downtown Baltimore, has been revitalized with the addition of Black-owned businesses through the BOOST Program. This initiative aims to activate the area and prevent it from becoming underutilized, contributing to the economic development of downtown Baltimore.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina—East Hargett Street, historically known as a hub for Black-owned businesses, is undergoing revitalization efforts. The area aims to support Black entrepreneurs and contribute to the cultural and economic growth of downtown Raleigh.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Portland
Portland, Oregon—Black-owned businesses in downtown Portland are working to overcome challenges such as rising commercial rents and economic downturns. Community support and initiatives are crucial in sustaining these businesses, which play a vital role in the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona—Grassrootz Bookstore, Phoenix’s only Black-owned bookstore, has opened a new location near downtown. The store specializes in African-American literature, history, and culture, and features a juice bar, coffee shop, and collaborative workspace for the community. Grassrootz began in 2019 and has been a significant addition to the city’s cultural landscape.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Seattle
Seattle, Washington—Cafe Campagne, a Black-owned French restaurant located in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, offers a menu featuring dishes like asparagus salad, brioche French toast, and pan-roasted chicken. The restaurant has been recognized as one of the city’s top dining establishments, contributing to the diverse culinary scene in downtown Seattle.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California—Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, an independent coffee chain founded by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan, has expanded its presence in downtown Los Angeles. The business aims to create an inclusive, energetic space that serves as a hub for the local community, offering quality coffee and a welcoming environment.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland—Harborplace, a waterfront area in downtown Baltimore, has been revitalized with the addition of Black-owned businesses through the BOOST Program. This initiative aims to activate the area and prevent it from becoming underutilized, contributing to the economic development of downtown Baltimore.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina—East Hargett Street, historically known as a hub for Black-owned businesses, is undergoing revitalization efforts. The area aims to support Black entrepreneurs and contribute to the cultural and economic growth of downtown Raleigh.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Portland
Portland, Oregon—Black-owned businesses in downtown Portland are working to overcome challenges such as rising commercial rents and economic downturns. Community support and initiatives are crucial in sustaining these businesses, which play a vital role in the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona—Grassrootz Bookstore, Phoenix’s only Black-owned bookstore, has opened a new location near downtown. The store specializes in African-American literature, history, and culture, and features a juice bar, coffee shop, and collaborative workspace for the community. Grassrootz began in 2019 and has been a significant addition to the city’s cultural landscape.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Seattle
Seattle, Washington—Cafe Campagne, a Black-owned French restaurant located in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, offers a menu featuring dishes like asparagus salad, brioche French toast, and pan-roasted chicken. The restaurant has been recognized as one of the city’s top dining establishments, contributing to the diverse culinary scene in downtown Seattle.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California—Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, an independent coffee chain founded by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan, has expanded its presence in downtown Los Angeles. The business aims to create an inclusive, energetic space that serves as a hub for the local community, offering quality coffee and a welcoming environment.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland—Harborplace, a waterfront area in downtown Baltimore, has been revitalized with the addition of Black-owned businesses through the BOOST Program. This initiative aims to activate the area and prevent it from becoming underutilized, contributing to the economic development of downtown Baltimore.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina—East Hargett Street, historically known as a hub for Black-owned businesses, is undergoing revitalization efforts. The area aims to support Black entrepreneurs and contribute to the cultural and economic growth of downtown Raleigh.
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown Portland
Portland, Oregon—Black-owned businesses in downtown Portland are working to overcome challenges such as rising commercial rents and economic downturns. Community support and initiatives are crucial in sustaining these businesses, which play a vital role in the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
FAQ
What is the role of the BOOST Program in Baltimore?
The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s Black Owned and Operated Storefront Tenancy (BOOST) Program continues to support Black-owned businesses in the city. The program offers strategic support, professional guidance, and funding to help Black-owned small businesses establish a physical presence in downtown Baltimore.
What is the purpose of The Pitt Building acquisition in Pittsburgh?
The nonprofit organization The Greenwood Plan has acquired The Pitt Building, a three-story structure on Smithfield Street, with plans to transform it into a Black business incubator, offering opportunities for Black-owned businesses to operate in downtown storefronts.
How does the Michigan Black Business Alliance support entrepreneurs?
The Michigan Black Business Alliance opened a new 5,000-square-foot hub at Grand Park Centre in downtown Detroit, providing co-working spaces, conference rooms, a wellness center, and classrooms to support Black entrepreneurs.
| Location | Business | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Grassrootz Bookstore | Specializes in African-American literature, history, and culture, includes a juice bar and collaborative workspace. |
| Pittsburgh | The Pitt Building | Acquired to create a Black business incubator supporting local entrepreneurship. |
| Detroit | Michigan Black Business Alliance | New hub includes co-working spaces and classrooms for Black entrepreneurs. |
| Baltimore | BOOST Program | Supports Black-owned businesses with funding and professional guidance. |
| Durham | Various | Offers diverse services and products, enhancing community inclusivity. |
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