Local communities are looking to help and support local businesses. One way to support the community is by supporting local black-owned businesses in the Tampa area. The list below is locally black-owned businesses located in Tampa Bay that you can support today. 

Museums

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum

The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum honors the late legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month. This museum exhibits and events include musical performances, art exhibits, an outdoor garden area, and historical and cultural discussion events. The mission of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum is to preserve and interpret African American history for broad audiences, and to promote diversity and equal rights. They are currently holding virtual exhibits due to the COVID-19 pandemic if you are curious to check them out. 

Shops

Agape Soles St. Petersburg

This locally owned shoe boutique offers stylish and fashionable high heels, flats, and boots. They offer high-end quality boutique looks to their customers, and very affordable pricing as well. Check them out at their store location or browse their online store. 

Debonair Prints

Debonair Prints is a locally owned small screen printing shop that specializes in modern, graphic design and premium screen-printing. Located on the outside of Ybors warehouse district, Debonair Prints strive to help local businesses, events, and creatives have their big ideas and creative concepts realized. Their long term plan is to become a viable resource for industries around Tampa in the future, through their hard work and dedication to creativity. Check them out if you are starting a business or for your personal needs. 

Robinson’s Italian Ice

Robinson’s Italian Ice is a mobile Italian Ice business run by local husband and wife entrepreneurs, Rafael and Amber Robinson. They deliver the best frozen and delicious treats to all their guests and ensure to bring quality and happiness to everyone who indulges in their sweet, frozen treats. They will show up for various events including birthday parties, business events, and fundraisers. So, contact them the next time your kid has a birthday party, or for your next big business event. 

Blue Sage Boutique

Founded in 2013, Blue Sage Eco Boutique is an all-natural, eco-friendly online retailer that offers premium clothing, handmade candles, fragrances, and oils. The founder, Christina Arenas, is a Tampa native and dedicated to promoting peace, prosperity, and personal growth through her product line. She is also dedicated to promoting a sustainable business model and reducing environmental impact by having all her product containers and shipping packages being reusable and recyclable. Order online today to get a lovely smelling candle, and if you love it join their candle subscription to receive your favorite candle scent once a month.

Nonprofits

The Make it Out Foundation

Started in 2017, Da’juh Sawyer and Dontreal Fletcher started the Make it Out Foundation with a mission to financially assist students who show academic success and plan on attending post-secondary school at the Florida A&M University. The Make it Out Foundation is also involved in community outreach, mentorship, and host events such as a back to school drive. The Make it Out Foundation has a merch store you can purchase from, and the money goes towards helping high school students continue their education. You can also directly donate today through their website. 

Black Business Bus Tour

The Black Business Bus Tour is a Nonprofit organization whose main mission is to bring awareness to Black businesses in the Tampa community. They create strategic plans and partnerships to bring attention to, assist, and improve starting businesses in the area. Their hard work has been attributed to a 100% sales increase for businesses that participate in their tour. It is an inexpensive way for small Black businesses to promote themselves and be exposed to more people in the Tampa community. The tour is open to anyone who wants to check out some Black businesses that could use the support. So, go book a ticket today, or you can donate to the foundation through their website. 

Shop local and help the Tampa Bay community. Visit 813area and 727area for more things to do in St Pete and Clearwater, and all-around Tampa Bay!