Black-Owned Businesses in Colorado Springs You Should Know About
While we celebrate Black History Month in February in the U.S., many parts of the country are ready for a more equitable economy year-round. Black-owned businesses surged to almost 1.5 million nationwide by summer 2021— a 38% increase over February 2020. Support for these businesses has also grown, with internet searches for “Black-owned business” increasing 600% in 2020 compared to 2019. Google even added a new feature to search Black-owned businesses in 2021.
Black-owned businesses in Colorado Springs are flourishing with hundreds of companies throughout the region. Black proprietorship is supported by organizations like the Colorado Springs Black Business Network and the Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce, which work to advocate for minority businesses through strategic partnerships.
Additionally, a 2021 Smart Asset poll ranked Colorado Springs in the top 25 cities for Black economic strength. In 2021, 6.5% of the city’s population identified as African American/Black. Colorado Springs was one of the two most residentially racially integrated cities in the U.S. according to a UC Berkley study, a stat our community wants to retain as we grow in population and diversity. Here are just a few of the many Black-owned businesses in Colorado Springs to choose from.
Firma IT
Voted the top cybersecurity company in Colorado Springs Business Journal’s Best in Business 2017, Firma IT Solutions has over 20 years of managed IT and cybersecurity experience for businesses. Firma IT is an A+ Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau and has worked across industries, preventing cyber-attacks for law firms, accounting firms, and more.
3E’s Comedy Club
3E’s Comedy Club is more than a Black-owned comedy club in downtown Colorado Springs. It is the only comedy club in downtown Colorado Springs. The popular stand-up venue opened its doors in September 2020, while businesses across the nation were struggling to stay afloat. Owner Eric Phillips, an established promoter of comedic acts, says he found support in Colorado Springs’ strong business community. The club holds Wednesday night open mics, Tuesday night beginner comedy classes, and a host of other community events.
Beauty Bar
Years of experience and world-class service set Beauty Bar apart from all the other beauty shops in Colorado Springs. Combining their business skillets, millennial entrepreneurs Uyen Le and Chris Morrison decided to open the salon so patrons can enjoy pampering and talk business at the same time. The full-service salon strives to create a culture where creativity, inspiration, growth, and wellness remain tantamount.
The Men’s Xchange
While Colorado had one of the lowest poverty rates in the U.S. according to the 2019 U.S. Census, people with disadvantages exist everywhere. That is why James Proby opened The Men’s Xchange over a decade ago. The premier thrift boutique helps men who are disadvantaged access professional attire, and operates from donations of gently used suits, ties, jackets, and belts. Every dollar spent in the store goes directly toward helping the men of Colorado Springs look their best — whether it’s for a job interview, a networking event, or any other professional setting.
James Proby hopes to expand his business model for The Men’s Xchange into other cities.
The Wild Goose Meeting House and Good Neighbors Meeting House
Yemi and Russ building Good Neighbors Meeting House
Since 2013, The Wild Goose Meeting House has been providing Colorado Springs with good food, coffee, spirits, and live music weekends. The restaurant partners with roasters from around Colorado to secure their beans and their syrups are made with local ingredients — creating a truly unique Colorado experience. The Wild Goose Meeting House also serves as a second home or office for many professionals throughout the city. Cofounders of The Wild Goose Meeting House, Yemi Mobolade and Russ Ware, are active members in the Colorado Springs business community. Yemi is paying it forward to other entrepreneurs in Colorado Springs through his work with COSOpenForBiz, a roadmap to help guide entrepreneurs through the steps of starting a small business. The business partners also own and operate Good Neighbors Meeting House.