Over the past several months, Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) has increased its efforts to support small businesses in Uptown amidst of the COVID-19 pandemic. These small businesses need support—from organizational partners and patrons—now more than ever.
Specifically, African American-owned businesses have been hard hit by the shutdowns and regulations from the pandemic. According to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, the number of active small businesses in the United States dropped 22% between February and April 2020, but African American-owned businesses decreased by 41%. In addition, African American-owned businesses were less likely to benefit from federal stimulus programs.
Uptown is home to many amazing small businesses, including many minority-owned businesses. Below is a list of just a few local companies to support in the coming weeks and months, but there are many other small businesses in Uptown and throughout Greater Cincinnati that could benefit from community support. Individuals can also donate to the Minority Business Emergency Assistance Fund launched this spring by several local organizations.
For a larger list of African American-owned businesses, visit The Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce’s membership directory.
Image courtesy of Alabama Que
Alabama Que
Alabama Que is a barbeque restaurant on Short Vine serving favorites such as pulled pork, pork rib tips, beef brisket, beef ribs, smoked chicken, smoked salmon and its specialty turkey tips. Learn more about Alabama Que on its website
Image courtesy of Classix Barbershop
Classix Barbershop
Classix Barbershop in Corryville offers services including haircuts, shaves, facials and skin care for men. For more information about Classix Barbershop, visit its website.
Image courtesy of Conscious Kitchen
Conscious Kitchen
Conscious Kitchen is a restaurant located on Short Vine that focuses on serving healthier options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes. View Conscious Kitchen’s menu on its Facebook page.
Image courtesy of Island Frydays
Island Frydays
Island Frydays is a Caribbean-themed restaurant and catering business in Corryville. View the full menu and place an order online on Island Fryday’s website.
Image courtesy of K & J Seafood
K & J Seafood
K & J Seafood on Clifton Avenue is a southern-style restaurant specializing in seafood. Learn more about K& J Seafood on its website.
Image courtesy of Kilimanjaro African Art
Kilimanjaro African Art
Kilimanjaro African Art is a retail store offering African jewelry, clothing, art, musical instruments and other items. Shop online on Kilimanjaro African Art’s website or visit the store on Ludlow Avenue.
Image courtesy of Pause Cincy
Pause Cincy
Pause Cincy is a collective of several health and wellness-focused businesses, including Matunda Juicery, Perfect Touch Helps, Diamyn's Crystal Bar, and District 78. Learn more about Pause Cincy on its Facebook page.