The Greater West Dayton Incubator hosted the first Black Business Awards, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, on Thursday, August 31st at Goodwill Easter Seals in Trotwood, OH. This was a culmination event of a month-long schedule of activities, spotlighting and honoring Dayton’s Black owned businesses.

There were numerous categories including OG of the Year. Mr. Rick Poole, owner of Natural Foods Plus, won that category. Ms. Juanita Darden, CEO of Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar took home the trophy for Plug of the Year!

Our Dayton Black community spends an estimated $300 million a year! What would the west side of Dayton look like if we spent those dollars at home? Even a small fraction of this will make a huge difference! Learn about and shop with Dayton’s Black businesses at www.shopblackbizdayton.com.

Shop Black Biz Dayton Co-Sponsors the First Inaugural Official Network & Chill Youth Entrepreneurship Camp Graduation!

Over six weeks, youth learned about business fundamentals, running a restaurant,

product development, logo design, and more, toward starting their own

businesses which they introduced at the graduation on August 14th.

Shop Black Biz Dayton Sponsors 5 Cash Mobs to Raise Awareness of Black Businesses During Black Business Month!

August 18th’s Cash Mob was Gem City Western. Stuart Norman, the owner, is offering a daily outdoor market where Black owned businesses can vend every day of the week!

Vending spaces are $7.50 for the day Monday-Thursday and $12.50 Friday-Sunday.

Gem City Western also hosts special events like Wind-down Wednesdays, movie nights, private parties, and more!

So, join us in making this space a “Gem” of our City. Stop by Gem City Western and support Dayton’s Black businesses.

This article originally appeared on Dayton Weekly News and republished through its partnership with Elevate Dayton.