Residents and visitors in Minneapolis, prepare to experience the entrepreneurial spirit up close during Black Business Week, taking place July 24-31. As reported by the City of Minneapolis, the festivities will launch with the event “Legacy on the Block: A Black Business Showcase” on Thursday, July 24, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at George Floyd Square—intersecting at 38th and Chicago.
The week-long affair, celebrated annually, sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Black business excellence, with activities ranging from business tours of the block to kitchen activations at City Foods Studio. It’s a substantial effort to spotlight local Black-owned businesses and foster community engagement through art and culture exchanges. Among the events listed, activities like art crawls, panel discussions, and a vendor and resource fair at The Square Event Center promise to cater to a diverse set of interests and ages.
Key organizers of this community-centric event include names such as Healthy Roots Institute, City Foods Studio, and Agape Movement. According to the city’s bulletin, attendees can expect “business tours of the block,” a bustling “Black food vendor court,” and an enriching art crawl through spaces like PLOT Gallery, Listen to Us Studio, and the Chicago Ave Fire Arts Center starting from 2 until 5 p.m. Block activities extend into the evening with a press conference at 4:30 p.m., followed closely by the panel discussion themed “Building Legacy” set for 5 p.m. at The Square Event Center.
Art and culture continue to be a focal point with “Artists Talk” in PLOT Gallery and music featuring DJ E & Marquise, injecting vibrancy into the square until the day’s close. The City’s decision to highlight the Neighborhood Development Center during the community spotlight speaks to a broader commitment to the growth and support of local Black entrepreneurship across Minneapolis. As local leaders, Council Member Jenkins, Mayor Frey, and Council President Payne will illustrate with their presence, the city acknowledges the importance of nurturing environments that facilitate commerce and creativity with respect to cultural heritage and community solidarity.
Additional events lined up for the week include the “Ignite Business Conference: From Spark to Strategy,” a “Black Business Week Street Mall,” and the “Webber Camden & Northside Epicenter Black Business Expo.” There’s also a special micro-workshop tailored for entrepreneurs, titled “The Business of Self-Care,” and a “Black Business Week Summit” to look forward to. Those interested in mentorship opportunities can engage in “The Black Business Exchange – Speed Mentoring with the Experts” to glean wisdom from seasoned professionals. For a complete itinerary and to show your support for Black business development in Minneapolis, visit the official Black Business Week page.
