Support Black-Owned Businesses in Ypsilanti This Black Business Month

/ Hinton Real Estate Group/

Why Black Business Month Matters Here in Ypsilanti

Every August, we join a broader effort to amplify Black entrepreneurship. In Ypsilanti—a vibrant city of over 20,600 residents, with approximately 23.5% identifying as Black—this movement is deeply personal. 

Black-owned businesses are economic anchors, community spaces, and cultural storytellers. Yet they face systemic barriers in accessing capital and resources.

Economic Forces & Why Local Support Makes a Difference

Nationally, Black-owned firms generated around $141.1 billion in revenue in 2020, increasing 11% from 2017, and employing over 1.3 million people.

In Michigan, there are over 54,000 Black-owned small businesses, representing a powerful engine for economic mobility and local wealth creation.

Growth of Black women-owned businesses has been robust: 20.2% growth recently, compared to 3.1% growth for women-owned businesses overall and 14.3% for Black-owned companies overall  .

Supporting these enterprises helps close the racial wealth gap and ensures equitable economic participation.

Downtown Ypsilanti’s Black-Owned Business Core 

Downtown Ypsi is a hub for creativity and commerce, from independent boutiques to food co-ops and art studios. Numerous Black-owned businesses are listed in the [Downtown Ypsilanti Business Directory] (ypsilantidda.org/business-directory/), offering visitors and locals a curated guide to explore and support. 

Depot Town—Ypsilanti’s historic district—is especially rich with locally owned restaurants, artisan shops, and cooperative businesses like the Ypsilanti Food Co‑op, an eco-conscious community grocer with its own wood‑fired bakery and market events.

Why Your Support Counts: Community & Economic Impact

Boosts Local Job Creation & Spending

Black-owned businesses are more likely to hire locally and keep revenue circulating within the community, strengthening neighborhoods and reducing economic leakage.

Builds Visibility & Consumer Trust

A national study showed that consumers are up to 30% more likely to buy from certified Black-owned businesses, and nearly half are willing to pay more when businesses are visibly labeled as such  .

Strengthens Local Business Networks

Resources like the Association of Businesses of Color and the Ann Arbor–Ypsi Black Chamber offer critical support, outreach, and mentoring for entrepreneurs of color in Washtenaw County  .

How You Can Support Black-Owned Businesses in Ypsi

Shop with intention: Choose Black-owned vendors for food, retail, services, and real estate.

Share and review: Help local businesses gain visibility online.

Attend local events: Market days, First Fridays, block parties—get involved.

Refer friends: Word-of-mouth remains a powerful support tool.

Join efforts: Engage with organizations like the Ann Arbor–Ypsi Black Chamber and promote local certification seal programs that amplify Black-owned businesses.

Explore the Downtown Ypsilanti Business Directory.

www.ypsilantidda.org/business-directory

By supporting Black-owned businesses this Black Business Month—and continuing year-round—you help:

  • Create jobs

  • Retain local wealth

  • Empower entrepreneurship

  • Celebrate culture and community 

Let’s amplify the voices and stories in downtown Ypsilanti—your support matters.