The sixth annual City of Minneapolis Black Business Week kicks off July 27 following an official proclamation from Mayor Jacob Frey. The week recognizes the contributions of Black-owned businesses and is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to support local entrepreneurs, strengthen neighborhood business districts and invest in equitable economic opportunity across Minneapolis. The week’s events conclude on August 2.
“Black-owned businesses are helping drive Minneapolis forward,” said Mayor Frey. “From neighborhood storefronts to growing startups, these entrepreneurs create jobs, build community wealth, and strengthen our local economy. This week is about recognizing their impact, and making sure Minneapolis continues to be a city where great businesses can start, grow, and succeed.”
The week is dedicated to celebrating, recognizing and supporting the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and businesses in the city while promoting economic equity. It is funded in part through the City’s Small Business Resiliency Fund which was approved last spring to support small businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge. The week’s events also advance Minneapolis Forward, the City’s broader initiative to support economic recovery by investing in local businesses and expanding opportunity for entrepreneurs.
“Now more than ever, it’s time to double down on our support for Black-owned businesses,” said City Council President Elliot Payne, Ward 1. “Black Business Week is a great time to renew our commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses and cultural institutions not just with our words, but also with tangible resources and monetary support.”
Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in events throughout the week, connect with local organizations and explore the many resources available to help businesses succeed. Residents are also encouraged to support and engage with Black-owned businesses across a wide range of industries, including retail, food and hospitality, technology, health and wellness, professional services, arts and culture, and more.
The weeklong celebration includes the following events:
- July 27 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Black Business Week Kick-off Summit — Coliseum Building, 2708 Lake St. E.
- July 28 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Contracting & Business Certification Workshop — MEDA Minneapolis Office, 1256 Penn Ave. N.
- July 30 | 6 – 8:30 p.m. — The Black Business Exchange — The Camden Social, 4601 Lyndale Ave. N.
- July 30 | 6 – 8 p.m. — Keep Your Business Running When You Can’t: A Wellness Workshop — Black Business Enterprises, 1128 Harmon Pl., Suite 200
- July 31 | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Business Roundtable & Parking Lot Festival — African Development Center, 1931 S. Fifth St,
- July 31 | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. — TASTE at NEON — NEON Collective Kitchens, 2041 W. Broadway
- 1 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Black Business Summit + Market — The Northside Epicenter, 705 42nd Ave. N.
- 1 & Aug. 2 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — TASTE at NEON — NEON Collective Kitchens, 2041 W. Broadway
This week’s activities follow several days of prelude events, including the professional development conference, Roho Ignite 2026, as well as the Black Business Week Street Mall. The initiative also serves as a lead-in to Black Business Month in August, reinforcing Minneapolis’ year-round support for Black entrepreneurs and business owners.
See what other city leaders are saying:
“Strong neighborhoods and economic resilience are built by strong local businesses – and this week is just one way we celebrate the diverse community of entrepreneurs that invest in our communities,” said Community Planning & Economic Development Director Erik Hansen. “Through our continued investments in technical assistance, commercial corridors and small business development, we’re helping create the conditions to expand opportunity and build a local economy where more residents can succeed.”
“Historically, Black businesses have served residents and communities that have been marginalized and divested by the city,” said Council Member Robin Wonsley, Ward 2. “Black entrepreneurs continue to be the economic backbone of our city and I am excited to celebrate their successes. I encourage others to shop local and support these businesses.”
“Black Business Week is a time to celebrate the incredible entrepreneurs and small business owners who make our neighborhoods stronger and more vibrant every day,” said Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, Ward 4. “I encourage everyone to join in on the celebration by shopping, dining, and investing in the Black-owned businesses that help make our entire city thrive.”
“Ward 5 is home to one of the largest concentrations of Black-owned businesses in Minneapolis, where entrepreneurs are creating jobs, expanding opportunity, and strengthening North Minneapolis every day,” said Council Member Pearll Warren, Ward 5. “When Black businesses thrive, our communities thrive, and Black Business Week is a reminder that supporting local entrepreneurs is one of the most powerful investments we can make in our city’s future.”
“Black-owned businesses are essential to Minneapolis,” said Council Vice President Jamal Osman, Ward 6. “They create opportunity, build wealth, and reflect the rich diversity of our city - from businesses that have served generations to entrepreneurs who have brought new dreams and traditions from around the world. During Black Business Week, I encourage everyone to shop local and celebrate the businesses that help our neighborhoods and our city thrive.”
“As a champion of small business and a lover of the diversity of this city, I encourage everyone to get out and support Black-owned businesses of all kinds, especially during Black Business Week,” said Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer, Ward 7. “If the events of this year have taught us anything, it’s that Minneapolitans show up for one another—and this week gives us a chance to shine a spotlight on our vibrant Black business community.”
“The 38th street corridor, anchored by 38th and Chicago, is an essential node of Black businesses in the city,” said Council Member Soren Stevenson, Ward 8. “From delicious food to incredible arts institutions, the 38th corridor has something for everyone and is a hub of Black culture and business. I encourage everyone to check out what’s new and old on the corridor!”
“The Sixth-Annual Black Business Week is a reminder that Black-owned businesses are the backbone of our city,” said Council Member Jason Chavez, Ward 9. “This week is meant to celebrate and empower Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, which are vital to our community and help create jobs, drive innovation, and foster a vibrant culture.”
"From The Get Down Coffee Co. on the Northside to Mesob Ethiopian off Hiawatha and Driftwood Char Bar in South Minneapolis. our City benefits from a vibrant network of Black-owned businesses,” said Council Member Jamison Whiting, Ward 11. “These spaces build community, drive economic development, and make Minneapolis the city we know and love. I encourage all of our residents to spend their time and dollars at these businesses this week and beyond."
“Government has a deep history of hindering Black communities from building generational wealth through redlining and racial discrimination, and our city can undo these harms by supporting our Black community and Black businesses to the fullest extent,” said Council Member Aurin Chowdhury, Ward 12. “Everyone should support Black businesses not only this week but throughout the year as there’s so much these businesses offer to our communities and are a core part of our city’s culture and vibrancy.”
“Black-owned businesses are a vital part of our city’s economy and vibrancy,” said Council Member Linea Palmisano, Ward 13. “When you support a Black-owned business, you’re supporting neighbors and our community.”