Happy Black History Month! Each February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America. The Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs acknowledges and honors Black and women business entrepreneurs and those serving BIPOC people, women, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, veterans, people with disabilities, people living on lower-income, and the formerly incarcerated.

To commemorate Black History Month, below is a listing of some upcoming webinars for small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as highlight some of San José's Black-owned businesses.

Seven upcoming webinars by Start Small Think Big and SCORE SV: 

• Learn more about search engine optimization (SEO) and how to design a content marketing strategy that reaches additional customers at the February 16 webinar (Noon). RVSP here.
• Meet the lawyers from Davis Polk Wardwell LLP and learn about the legal essentials of an online business. Webinar will take place at 10 a.m. via Zoom on February 22. RSVP here.
• Accessing Capital While Black: Know your rights as a small business owner applying for credit. February 21 at 1 p.m.. RSVP here.
• Accessing Capital while Black: Strategies for mitigating discrimination in raising funds. February 23 at 1 p.m.. RSVP here.

A sampling of San José’s Black-Owned Small Businesses:

• Larry Townsend’s Automotive
  247 E St. John Street, San Jose
  Services: tires and brakes services, vehicle electrical and mechanical repairs
  Website / (408) 998-4774
  
  
• The Chop Shop Barbers & Salon
  1040 Park Avenue, San Jose
  Services: haircuts, colors, professional braiding, dread/loc maintenance, etc.
  Website / (408) 287-6680 
  
  
• Hill’s Training Fitness Center
  1783 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose
  Popular Services: Youth Kickboxing, HIIT Classes, Teen/Adult Strike Classes, Group Boxing, Youth Speed/Agility Training, Personal Training, etc.
  Website / (408) 600-7602
  
  
• WESTCA Gym
  30 N 3rd St., San Jose.
  Popular Services: Personal Training, Group Fitness Training, Strength and Circuit Training Classes
  Website / (408) 564-0705
  
  
• Black & Brown
  751 W. San Carlos St, San Jose
  Specialties: Vintage / modern clothing and accessories
  Website / (408) 298-1970
  
  
• Walia Ethiopian Cuisine
  2208 Business Cir, San Jose
  Popular Dishes: Chicken Sambussa, Misir Wot, Grilled Lamb Tib, The Zuckerberg Combo
  Website / (408)645-5001
  
  
• Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant
  1261 West San Carlos Street, San Jose
  Popular Dishes: Veggie Combo, Doro Tibs, Special Kitfo, Chicken Sandwich
  Website / (408) 295-9546
  
  
• Cadence Energy & Nutrition
  1941 Tully Rd Ste 40, San Jose
  Popular Items: Cherry Limeade, Pineapple Stomp tea, Cinnamon Toast Cheesecake shake, Caramel Macchiato
  Website / (408) 708-7092
  
  
• Jubba Restaurant
  5330 Terner Way, Ste 40, San Jose
  Popular dishes: Roasted Goat Cutlet, Chicken Suqaar, Jumbo Steak, Jubba Chicken Wrap
  Website / (408) 440-1504
  
  
• Jackie’s Place
  840 North 1st St., San Jose
  Popular dishes: Smoked Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken, Southern Fried Fish, Smoked Pulled Pork sandwich
  Website / (408) 490-4653
  
  
• Nirvana Soul Coffee
  315 S 1st St, San Jose
  Popular items: White Rose Latte, Hazelnut Mocha, Lover’s Quarrel Chai tea, Turmeric Latte
  Website / (408) 564-6617
  
  
• Island Taste Caribbean Grill
  225 East Santa Clara St., San José
  Popular Items: Jerk Chicken, Oxtail tacos, authentic Jamaican food
  Website / (669) 281-3554

For more information on the above webinars or to be added to the list of Black-owned businesses in the City, contact Executive Analyst Nguyen Pham, Nguyen.pham@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 479-1151.