Celebrating Black Business Month
August may be known for its sunny weather and higher temperatures, but we have another reason to celebrate – August is National Black Business Month!
What is Black Business Month?
Historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. founded National Black Business Month back in August of 2004 to celebrate Black entrepreneurs around the country. The month of August has become a time to recognize and appreciate black-owned businesses; and not only can we celebrate the multitude of products they sell, but we can raise a glass to everything they represent – progress and growth in the country’s desires for equality and diversity!
As has been reported by the National Black Chamber of Commerce in commission with Groupon, 59% of Black business owners reported being victims of racism and/or bias when starting their own businesses. On top of this, statistically, it can be much harder for Black-owned business founders to secure capital and investors when first starting out.
All of this being said, you may be asking, How do I support black-owned businesses specifically? Allow us to illuminate a few strategies!
- Intentionally seek out Black-owned businesses in your area or online.
- The Urban Grape is located in Boston’s South End, but you can also shop our online store here.
- Share reviews when you have a positive experience.
- Our team always appreciates your feedback! Feel free to text/call us at 857.250.2509 during business hours or email us at any time.
- Pass along recommendations in-person or via social media.
- We would love to connect with you – whether visiting our store or following us on our socials!
- Build relationships with Black-owned businesses.
- We would love to work with you to find the perfect wine for your palate or curate a memorable wine tasting experience! Whether in-store, off-site, or virtually, The Urban Grape team is here to support you in your wine journeys.
Here at The Urban Grape and with the Progressive Pours team, we never miss the opportunity to celebrate the values of diversity, equality, and uniqueness that only small businesses can truly provide. We ourselves are a proudly Black-Owned wine shop in Boston’s South End, certified by ByBlack of the U.S. Black Chambers Inc., and a certified MBEs through the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.® Though we are known for extensive selections of wines from around the world, our Progressive Pours team works especially hard to carefully curate and provide a unique and enriching wine tasting experience for you, your friends, family, and colleagues!
Why work with Progressive Pours by The Urban Grape?
- Our Diverse Wine Selection: The Urban Grape offers a wide range of wines, including various unexpected varietals. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a beginner, our knowledgeable staff would be happy to guide you to find the perfect bottle and theme to suit your palate!
- Our Focus on Education: The team at Progressive Pours is dedicated to educating our customers and clients through our interactive and entertaining wine tastings. Offered in-store, off-site, or virtually, we want to help curate a fun and progressive event all while highlighting different styles, regions, and pairings (all while supporting black-owned businesses, of course!)
- Our Wine Rating System: In our continued efforts to make the world of wine more approachable, we have separated ourselves from the traditional 100-point scale. Instead, The Urban Grape uses our very own “Progressive Scale” which rates wines based on their body, flavor, and texture. From the most novel of beginners to the most knowledgeable connoisseurs, this approach makes wine selection accessible to everyone.
- Our Community Engagement: Aligning with everything we stand for as a small, Black-owned business ourselves, The Urban Grape actively supports and works with other local organizations to cultivate a deeper sense of community in regard to diversity, equality, and beyond. Whether through events or initiatives, we never miss a chance to celebrate our fellow entrepreneurs!
National Black Business Month is one to be celebrated. Not only with our fellow local small business owners, but across the nation there are countless others striving to provide customers and clients with positive experiences, fond memories, and overall satisfaction. It is continuously important to support these organizations this month and every month, and we look forward to connecting with you!
For now, please feel free to shop our Black Producers Collection, which highlights BIPOC producers who have been historically marginalized within the wine industry. If you would be interested in booking a wine-tasting event with our Progressive Pours team, you can book a time with our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Ayana Blue, here for an informational meeting!
Thank you for your past support, and for helping us further our message to Drink Progressively! Happy National Black Business Month!
