Black-Owned Business Guide

ABOUT SHOPBLACKCT.com

ShopBlackCT.com is a volunteer initiative and not-for-profit website featuring 1,000+ Black-owned businesses in Connecticut.

Free to list. Free to browse.

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SUPPORTING 1,009 businesses and growing!

"Without ShopBlackCT.com I wouldn't have that big showcase I have now. My business has increased 15%."

- Reggie White, Crab Shack King, A Touch of Soul

“ShopBlackCT.com has been a real vessel for bringing visibility to our Black-owned businesses, giving us the services of taking pictures and doing articles that we can use as marketing material and share with our networks and theirs.”

- Khamani Harrison, The Key Bookstore

"ShopBlackCT.com has been a blessing for our business. ShopBlackCT.com helped us gain greater exposure within our local area and started a conversation around our story, our value and how we were working to uplift our community."

- Nakia Kearse, Your CBD Store Simsbury

"Business has increased since the launch of ShopBlackCT.com. My BBQ bowl sales have jumped."

- James Hanton, The Singing Sliders

“They have dedicated their time and their resources to create a platform that has been very instrumental in the growth of my business and the growth of many other Black-owned businesses in Connecticut. A lot of times us small business owners don’t have the means to get our names out there, but this platform was created to do that. It was so needed.”

- Shawneee Rochester, Escape Massage & Esthetics Studio

“The positive image, the positivity coming out of ShopBlackCT.com is so powerful and such a great movement that as a Black-owned, veteran-owned business myself I get to show my sons this great positive image and I love it.”

- Chef Jay, Fud, Inc. & Baby J's Spices

FEATURED BUSINESSES

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Photo: Corey Lynn Tucker Photography

Young entrepreneurs Bryson and Justin were mobilized by the fact that there is a gap that exists within children’s apparel to uplift and encourage, which ultimately inspired them to move forward with their idea.

Photo: Brenda De Los Santos Photography

When Tiffany Shultz’s son was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), an incurable neurological autoimmune disease in 2016, she had no idea that it would lead her to opening her incredibly popular new Pawcatuck vegan cupcake and ice cream shop.

Photo: Corey Lynn Tucker Photography

It’s been quite a “season” for Lillard Royal Lewis, Jr., also known as “Chef Jay." His many products, which include the Baby J’s Spice label, are all driven toward two central philosophical pillars of his corporate structure: sustainability and diversity in education.

Photo: Courtesy of The Key

People to ask themselves what do I need to know, how can I learn it, and where do I get it from? The answer to that has been Black owned bookstores like The Key.

Photo by Connecticut Headshots

Sweet dreams are made of these! Owner Chantell Kelly and her husband take great pride on being affectionately referred to as the “The Happy Place in Hartford”.

Photo: Corey Lynn Tucker Photography

Surf's up in Blue Back Square! From bowls to smoothies and juices, Playa Bowls West Hartford offers a colorful selection of inviting and unique offerings that are delicious and satisfying.

black owned business massage oil manchester

Photo: Arianna Velez Photography

Owners Deja Durant and John Small are longtime family friends who share a love for soul food. Family-owned, together they follow recipes that have been passed down for generations.

MORE FEATURED BUSINESSES

ON THE ROAD WITH RODE!

Join ShopBlackCT team member Rode as she sets out each week to discover new favorite delicious, inspiring and downright amazing Black-owned businesses around Connecticut.

HOW IT LEADERS CAN EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS SYSTEMIC RACISM

By Damon Carter

Since technology directly shapes how business is conducted globally and given the political capital IT leaders have earned through their progressive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, CIOs are well positioned to play an integral role in helping to eradicate systemic racism in their organizations. To do this, they must strategically employ a systemic solution.

By Barry Alexander

As part of Alexander’s latest endeavor, Aquiline Drones (AD) - a progressive drone enterprise and cloud technology company (AD Cloud) based in Hartford, Connecticut, the new online Flight to the Future training course prepares a participant to become a fully licensed drone pilot and business operator.

By Patrina Dixon

The act of giving back doesn't necessarily have to be monetary. Even some simple acts of kindness and thoughtful gestures can make a significant impact.

By Elijah Manning

As our nation continues to grapple with sins of the past, and finds ways to change our future for the better, there is one specific area that needs attention on a national level, but can start locally...

By Caleb Roseme

"I am a 35-year-old Black man, and I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. As a child, my parents regularly warned me that I would be treated differently because of my skin color..."

By Meghan Brennan

The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) provides no-cost business advising to small business owners and entrepreneurs to start, grow and thrive in Connecticut.

By Yvette Young

People often ask, why does ShopBlackCT.com only focus on Black-owned businesses? The quick answer is because of the impact systemic racism has had on the Black community.

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