Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses kicks off #30Days30Dollars Challenge

Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses kicks off #30Days30Dollars Challenge

The Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses website features a directory of black-owned businesses. Photo via grabblocal.com

An African-American-focused economic development organization is challenging local shoppers to shift some of their spending to black-owned businesses this month.

Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses, or GRABB, is running its annual #30days30dollars Challenge from Oct. 1-Oct. 31.

The challenge, started in 2013, asks everyone in Grand Rapids to shift $30 of their spending for the month to black-owned businesses to foster economic equity in the city.

“The reason we do it is to create aware of black businesses in the community and also to have people discover their new favorite business if they haven’t seen it or heard of it before,” said Jamiel Robinson, founder and CEO, GRABB. “Try new businesses. If you spend over $30, that’s okay too.”

A directory of suggested local businesses to support — with descriptions and contact information — is available on GRABB’s website.

Those who wish to take the #30days30dollars pledge can sign up online.

Snap, Share & Win

During the #30days30dollars challenge, GRABB will run a social media contest, Snap, Share & Win, that will give participants a chance to win a GRABB Bag with products and/or services sponsored by black-owned businesses.

To play, participants must post pictures of their purchases of black-owned businesses’ products or services on GRABB’s social media pages — Facebook, Twitter or Instagram — and then will be entered into a drawing.

A minimum of four winners will be selected and notified via email, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Winners must claim their prizes within 10 business days, or the prize will be forfeited.

GRABB

Founded in 2013, Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses is an economic development social enterprise that works to foster economic prosperity and the revitalization of predominantly black neighborhoods.

GRABB raises awareness for black businesses and assists entrepreneurs with acquiring social, intellectual and financial capital.