August is National #BlackBusinessMonth. Here are easy ways to support #BlackBusinesses this month and beyond.

Purchase from Black Businesses: When you think of an item or service you need, research a Black-owned business that can assist.

If you do not know someone who sells or does XYZ, ask your text chats or in your GroupMe chats. Someone will know. ;)

When you see someone asking for a specific item, especially here on Twitter, jump into their conversation and suggest a Black business that can support. Include URLs and social media handles when you can.

Leave reviews: Spreading the word around Black-owned businesses is great, but leaving reviews on Google/Yelp/Facebook helps them show up higher in search. Make sure the review is detailed and includes photos if possible.

Speaking of @GoogleMyBiz and @Yelp, if you are a Black-owned business owner, make sure you have added that designation to your listing. Both platforms allow you to do this now.

Support Black-owned businesses on social media: Looking for free ways to support? Liking, commenting, and sharing posts on social media helps the brand get seen by more people.

Also - When a new Black business opens, help spread the word.

Do not talk down on Black-owned businesses. I often see a lot of complaining and mentions of certain stereotypes, but that does not help anyone at the end of the day. Provide the business with the feedback when possible.

If you are a Black business owner, make sure you have everything you need to run your business correctly:
- Register with the Secretary of State
- Get trademarked (if possible)
- Become an official vendor with your city
- Get a minority-owned/woman-owned business certification

- Have a website and keep it updated
- Get your Google/Yelp listings up and have the correct info on them (address, phone number, hours, etc.)
- Have social media channels (and post on them regularly)
- The list goes on and on!