Wells Fargo donated roughly $420 million through the Open for Business Fund, which has provided more than 200 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other nonprofits with resources to help diverse small business owners thrive. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities – and Wells Fargo is committed to making meaningful investments to help them succeed, including a $20 million grant to Foundation For The Carolinas to establish the Beyond Open grant program.
August is Black Business Month, and Charlotte has several Black-owned businesses to support all month long.
To kick off the month, QCity Metro is partnering with CLT Black Owned to create our Black-Owned Marketplace, powered by Wells Fargo, at 222 West Boulevard Suite 112 on Aug. 4-6.
The marketplace is a limited shopping experience that transforms the West Boulevard space into a totally Black-owned store for the weekend.
Guests can expect a one-stop shop with products from more than thirty local Black-owned businesses. Products range from skincare and beauty products to art, clothing, jewelry, specialty items and more.
Here are a few brands shoppers can expect to see in-store:
Z Stationery
Z Stationery is a specialty gift company that features depictions of Blackness of its item. Items include keychains, specialty stationery, tote bags and more.
Ryan Style
Ryan Style is a men’s and women’s apparel brand that offers everything from dresses to pants, skirts, shoes and more.
Curators of Kool
Curators of Kool is a clothing line that keeps it unique. The brand promotes “feel good wear” that centers around positive messages, like its popular HBCU lettermen jacket.
Monet Fit
Monet Fit specializes in women’s fitness and athletic apparel. The “curvy-girl-approved” brand is known for its bright, stretchy workout sets and jumpsuits.
Nettie’s Candle Co.
This candle company is mother-daughter-owned operation named for a family matriarch. The company offers long-burning candles with long-lasting scents. And a portion of sales from each candle goes to Alzheimer’s research.
Uzuri Botanicals
Uzuir Botanicals is a cruelty-free skin and home care company that offers beauty products and candles.
BisKrunchies
Granola is presented in a new way at BizKrunchies. The specialty treat company offers granola (with and without nuts) as well as freshly-baked cookies with uniquely delicious flavor combinations.
Eunette Hair Essentials
Eunette Hair Essentials is haircare line made for hair types historically underrepresented in the beauty industry — kinky, curly, loc’d and “super thick” hair.
Maraki Luxury Wear
Maraki is brand that offers the latest trends in fashion and accessories. The brand carries both standard and plus sizing.
Warren Hampton
Warren Hampton is a luxury lifestyle brand known for its premium quality handbags, fragrance and specialty items.
Deserved Happiness
Deserved Happiness is a gift shop that offers journals, affirmation cards, and other items meant to promote a happier way of life.
Madame Dope
This eyewear company prides itself on offering fashionable shades and eyeglasses that don’t break the bank.
Treasured Brides
Treasured Brides offers the latest in bridal must-haves, including veils, capes, headpieces, accessories, and lingerie.
Neek Tea Company
Neek Tea is an organic tea company that offers various flavors and accessories for teatime.
The Sanderific Brand
The Sanderific Brand is apparel company that focuses on clothing with positive messages, like “Be Kind to Everyone,” and “You Matter.”
And more
Other businesses include Aroma Affirmations, The Yoni Collection, The Porter House, Gypsy Yoga Mama, Creatives Faces, Luxe Noire, Artic Ice by Rashee, Creative Faces by Alexandria, The Valley, Cover Me In Love and more.
Friday, Aug. 4 | 1 p.m.-7p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 5 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 6 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hello,
I’d like to find out how to participate in this event as a vendor. I am an entrepreneur. My businesses JP3, (Jewelry, Painting, Photos, & Poetry). I look forward to hearing from someone.
Thank you, Oneita L. Williams