ST. LOUIS — Black business owners need all the support they can get, and an event in the Delmar area gave them that boost on Saturday.
The Black Business Expo hosted by Delmar Main Street provided more than 50 Black vendors and shop owners in St. Louis a platform to sell their products and services at the corner of Delmar and Hamilton.
The Delmar Main Street initiative began in 2021 after a push from community organizations to improve life for residents and business owners on the north side of Delmar Boulevard, home to many minority-owned businesses.
Tamika Stigers's Locs of Glory Salon and Spa was a stop for styles and business tips on Saturday.
"In terms of our business, we love mentoring, so if there's a new business owner— Pull them in. Give them information. Have them navigate the rocky terrain of entrepreneurship," she said.
Stiger's outdoor booth caught much of the foot traffic from the event that was a hub for some of the more than 6,000 black-owned businesses in St. Louis.
"To have small businesses and be Black-owned— there are a lot of disadvantages, a lot of barriers to run our businesses. So, anytime we can bring attention to get people to come out and support the businesses, it's definitely necessary," Stigers said.
Many Black American business owners pay for much of their expenses themselves as a result of the lack of loan opportunities and historically discriminatory practices.
In 2022, Mastercard sponsored the expo and partnered with Mayor Tishaura Jones and the St. Louis Development Corporation to launch Digital Doors STL. The platform provided 100 Black-owned small businesses with data tools and education to leverage their relationships with banks.
Another challenge Black business owners face is criticism from consumers, particularly in the Black community, she said.
"Maybe the food doesn't taste exactly how you want it to taste there. That chef is working with a new team of people. Go back in a couple of months. We can't just say we're done with that business," Stigers said.
"Just partake in helping grow our businesses. Letting you know that you don't always have to go to the major box stores— you can come right here in your own backyard and spend your dollars. It's well worth it," Sitgers added.
"That's what we have to really focus on: Making sure our dollars are circulating in our communities," said Dawn Higgins, owner of Made You Smile Jewelry.
The St. Louis Development Corporation has several resources for assisting black-owned businesses. Located at 1520 Market St. Suite 2000, The St. Louis Development Corporation is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.