ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta remains the hub for Black-owned businesses in the country for a third year in a row, according to a report by Lending Tree.
According to the company, data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau showed the percentage of Black-owned U.S. businesses is up 22% year over year. Nearly 40% of Black-owned businesses across the nation are run by women.
That report from Lending Tree also stated Atlanta’s significant Black population may contribute to the rankings of the number of Black-owned businesses.
For Windsor Jones, the report’s findings are no surprise. Jones is the co-owner of Sweet Auburn Bread Company on Auburn Avenue. Jones said Atlanta is the city to thrive in for Black entrepreneurs.
“It’s always been the Black mecca for excellence and resilience and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Inside of Sweet Auburn Bread Company, a bakery started by Jones’ mother Chef Sonya Jones in 1997, there are cookies, pies and other southern style desserts.
“She’s an amazing inspiration to the community and people have seen her thrive through it all,” Jones said. “And she always keeps a smile on her face.”
While Jones said it’s no shock that Atlanta is once again the hub for Black-owned businesses, he does admit entrepreneurship isn’t always easy, especially with current rising costs.
“One thing that hits us daily is the prices of like eggs … because we do things fresh from scratch,” he said. “We want to keep our prices the way the community can afford it, but it’s hard when you’re paying $100 for eggs.”
That’s why Jones said it’s important to keep supporting Back-owned businesses in the city, to keep Atlanta the hub.
Here is a link to the full Lending Tree report: Number of Black-Owned Businesses Spikes | LendingTree
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