As we actively shift toward a world focused on social justice, we want to offer opportunities to take action that aligns with our values. One powerful way to make a difference is by consciously choosing where we spend our money.
Inspired by Colorado’s ShopBIPOC.com directory, Nadi Marketing partnered with Axiom of Purpose and The Program Labs to develop TIDAL PAGES – an online directory of Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian and Pacific Islander, and multicultural-owned businesses in San Diego County.
Tidal Pages empowers the community to support social impact by making it easy to find and support local BIPOC-owned businesses – (read more on WHY we should Support minority-owned businesses: essential for a thriving future). By choosing to shop with these businesses, we can be intentional with our spending.
Here’s how you can help make waves of change:
Look at company ownership
When you choose to support BIPOC-owned businesses, you directly contribute to the economic empowerment of communities of color. Your dollars support local businesses, creating jobs and fostering economic growth within these communities. By supporting Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian and Pacific Isalander and other People of Color entrepreneurs, we can help bridge the wealth gap and build a more equitable future for all.
Consider intersectionality
Tidal Pages goes beyond simply identifying BIPOC-owned businesses. Many businesses listed also identify as Woman-Owned, LGBTQIA+ owned, veteran-owned, or owned by a person with a disability. By supporting businesses that intersect with multiple marginalized identities, you can amplify your impact and support even more diverse communities.
Align with your values
Many BIPOC-owned businesses are deeply rooted in their communities and driven by a strong sense of purpose. Look for businesses that align with your own values. Do they prioritize sustainability? Do they support social justice initiatives? Do they actively give back to their community? By choosing businesses that reflect your own values, you can ensure that your spending choices are truly aligned with your beliefs and contribute to a more just and equitable world.
Appreciate representation
Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses goes beyond simply making a purchase. It provides vital representation and inspiration for future generations. When young people of color see successful entrepreneurs who look like them, they are empowered to pursue their own dreams and aspirations. Seeing successful BIPOC business owners thriving in their communities creates a powerful ripple effect, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and fostering a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape.
Build relationships beyond the transaction
Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses is more than just a transaction; it's about building relationships within your community. Engage with the businesses you support by leaving positive reviews, sharing your experiences on social media, and attending community events hosted by these businesses. Building these relationships not only strengthens the businesses you support but also fosters a stronger sense of community and belonging.
By making conscious choices about where we spend our money, we can create a ripple effect of positive change. It’s time to turn the tide on equity, one purchase at a time. Browse the TIDALPAGES.com directory to discover the power of your spending to make a difference.
Revekka Balancier
Revekka Balancier is the founder of Axiom of Purpose, a purpose-driven marketing agency focused on projects that make a positive environmental or social impact. She is a partner in TIDAL PAGES, San Diego’s BIPOC-owned business directory, created to make it easy to find and do business with people of color across the county.
NOTE: This blog was originally written for the Axiomata blog and has been adapted for TIDAL PAGES.