know that small businesses that are local care about the community in a different way, and they’re part of a thriving community,” Sturm adds.”If we really want to see a thriving, healthy, and inclusive local economy, we have to shop local. We have to spend money with these businesses so they can thrive.”[7] Looking to the Future As ShopBIPOC celebrates its first anniversary, the team behind the platform is already looking to the future. Plans are in place to expand the directory to include even more businesses across Colorado, particularly in areas outside Denver. One key goal for the future is to track the platform’s economic impact more precisely. As Kanitha Snow explains,”We want to be able to track the dollars invested and how people find these BIPOC businesses.”[7] This data will not
only demonstrate the platform’s impact but also help identify areas for further growth and improvement. The ShopBIPOC Collaborative is also working to create a sense of community amongst the BIPOC businesses listed on the platform, the partner organizations, and the institutions and consumers that use the platform. The official launch in August 2023 had 374 guests registered to attend. In July of this year, ShopBIPOC hosted their first of three events for the coming year, a Happy Hour at Green Spaces in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood.
Getting Involved with ShopBIPOC
As we celebrate the growth and impact of ShopBIPOC, there are two important ways you can get involved: 1. For BIPOC Business Owners: If you’re a BIPOC entrepreneur in Colorado and your business isn’t yet listed on ShopBIPOC, now is the perfect time to join. Listing your business is free and can be done easily through the website. As Karen Bartlett explains,”All they have to do is go to the website, and there’s a tab for ‘Sell,’ and they fill out a profile. It takes fifteen to thirty minutes depending on how readily available they have their business assets.”[7] Your profile will typically be live on the site within five to ten business days, opening your business up to a whole new market of conscious consumers and potential institutional partners. 2. For Consumers and Businesses: Whether you’re an individual looking to support local BIPOC-owned businesses or a procurement professional seeking to diversify your company’s suppliers, ShopBIPOC is an invaluable resource. Visit shopbipoc.com today and start exploring the diverse array of businesses and services available. By choosing to shop with these businesses, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re making a statement and contributing to a more equitable local economy.
Kenyatta Computer Services. Photo: ShopBIPOC.
16 The Acumen
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