Top U.S. Cities Where BIPOC-Owned Businesses Thrive — and Struggle

Supporting businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) is a meaningful step toward racial equity. Yet locating these businesses can be difficult if you don’t know where to look.

The likelihood of finding BIPOC-owned businesses varies widely across the United States. Some large metros lag behind smaller regions when it comes to representation of BIPOC entrepreneurs.

Below are the metro areas that score worst and best for BIPOC-owned businesses, based on how closely the share of BIPOC-owned businesses matches the non-white population in each metro area.

Worst Metro Areas for BIPOC-Owned Businesses

These rankings draw on Ondeck’s “BIPOC Business Report,” which measures the gap between a metro area’s non-white population percentage and its share of BIPOC-owned businesses. The larger the gap, the less representative business ownership is of the local population.

10. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Population: 2.63 million

BIPOC population: 42 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 21 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia: Red@28th

Red@28th is an Instagram-worthy cocktail and hookah bar known for its striking red décor. Beyond photos, the venue offers crafted cocktails, upscale hookah, live music, open mic nights and karaoke.

9. Santa Maria–Santa Barbara, CA

Population: 446,499

BIPOC population: 59 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 29 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Santa Maria–Santa Barbara: Brazilian Cultural Arts Center of Santa Barbara

The Brazilian Cultural Arts Center showcases Afro-Brazilian dance, drumming and capoeira. Attend a class or a cultural performance to support the center and experience rich Brazilian traditions.

8. Lafayette, LA

Population: 478,384

BIPOC population: 35 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 17 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Lafayette: Glow Flow Yoga

Glow Flow Yoga is a Black woman–owned studio offering group and private classes. Visiting supports a local entrepreneur while providing wellness and community connection.

7. Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN-WI

Population: 9.45 million

BIPOC population: 50 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 24 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Chicago–Naperville–Elgin: Indian Clay Pot

Indian Clay Pot specializes in dishes cooked in traditional clay pots, producing deep, earthy flavors and tender textures. It’s a standout spot for authentic Indian cuisine in the Chicago area.

6. Phoenix–Mesa–Scottsdale, AZ

Population: 5.05 million

BIPOC population: 46 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 22 percent

BIPOC Businesses to Support in Phoenix: Palabras Bilingual Bookstore and The Sagrado

Palabras Bilingual Bookstore is Phoenix’s bilingual bookstore, a resource for Spanish and English readers. The Sagrado is an art gallery and community center highlighting Latino artists and cultural programming.

5. Las Vegas–Henderson–Paradise, NV

Population: 2.31 million

BIPOC population: 61 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 21 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Las Vegas: 8 Ounce Korean Steak House

This Korean steakhouse offers tabletop grilling, banchan (side dishes) and a lively dining experience. It’s a notable example of authentic, high-quality Korean BBQ in Las Vegas.

4. Jackson, MS

Population: 594,806

BIPOC population: 54 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 25 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Jackson: Foot Print Farms

Foot Print Farms is a Black-owned local farm that supplies fresh produce and runs tours and community programs. Visiting supports local food production and sustainable agriculture.

3. New Orleans–Metairie, LA

Population: 1.27 million

BIPOC population: 52 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 24 percent

BIPOC Businesses to Support in New Orleans: Duchess Bed & Breakfast and Mardi Gras Mambo Tours

Stay at the Duchess Bed & Breakfast and join a Mardi Gras Mambo Tour to learn about New Orleans’ hidden histories and cultural heritage while supporting Black-owned hospitality and tour businesses.

2. Brunswick, GA

Population: 112,370

BIPOC population: 33 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 15 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Brunswick: Jerk Shack

The Jerk Shack serves authentic Jamaican flavors in a casual setting. It’s celebrated locally for consistently tasty Caribbean dishes.

1. Detroit–Warren–Dearborn, MI

Population: 4.31 million

BIPOC population: 36 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 16 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Detroit–Warren–Dearborn: Garden Theater

The Garden Theater is a Black-owned cultural venue that presents live music and performances, contributing to Detroit’s cultural life.

Best Metro Areas for BIPOC-Owned Businesses

Several metro areas show a small gap between the share of non-white residents and BIPOC-owned businesses, indicating better alignment between population and business ownership. Below are metros that perform well by that measure, along with recommended local BIPOC-owned businesses to support.

9. Evansville, IN-KY (Tie)

Population: 358,676

BIPOC population: 17 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 16 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Evansville: The Wine Down

The Wine Down, owned by a local couple, is a cozy wine bar with live jazz, blues and soul performances. Weekend events and private igloos provide a relaxed way to support local culture.

9. Saint Cloud, MN (Tie)

Population: 202,996

BIPOC population: 17 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 16 percent

BIPOC Businesses to Support in Saint Cloud: Strive Community Publishing and Krewe

Strive Community Publishing focuses on books by Black authors and provides online shopping options. Krewe, located in Saint Joseph within the metro area, blends New Orleans-inspired cuisine with international influences.

7. Idaho Falls, ID (Tie)

Population: 145,643

BIPOC population: 18 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 17 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Idaho Falls: Jalisco’s

Jalisco’s is a family-run restaurant celebrated for authentic Jalisco-style Mexican cuisine. The menu includes regional specialties as well as broader Mexican and Tex-Mex options.

7. Sioux Falls, SD (Tie)

Population: 276,730

BIPOC population: 18 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 17 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Sioux Falls: Swamp Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen

Swamp Daddy’s offers Cajun and Creole dishes rooted in Louisiana family recipes, bringing authentic Southern flavors to the region.

6. Hagerstown–Martinsburg, MD-WV

Population: 289,545

BIPOC population: 23 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 22 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Hagerstown–Martinsburg: Tribe Cold Press Juice Bar

Owned by two Black women, Tribe Cold Press focuses on fresh, sustainably made juices and healthy options, supporting wellness and local entrepreneurship.

5. Daphne–Fairhope–Foley, AL

Population: 229,287

BIPOC population: 20 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 19 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Daphne–Fairhope–Foley: Sage Lebanese Cuisine & Cafe

Sage Lebanese Cuisine & Cafe serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern staples made from scratch—falafel, kebabs and shawarma—representing regional flavors in the area.

3. Bloomington, IL (Tie)

Population: 191,067

BIPOC population: 24 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 23 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Bloomington: Jazz UpFront

Jazz UpFront is a popular live music venue with regular performances, happy hours and a lively atmosphere—an anchor for local nightlife and culture.

3. Lawrence, KS (Tie)

Population: 122,530

BIPOC population: 24 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 23 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Lawrence: BodyTruth Soap Apothecary

BodyTruth Soap Apothecary offers plant-based, handmade soaps and beauty products including shampoo bars, bath bombs, body butter and beard oil—perfect for supporting a local maker.

2. Ithaca, NY

Population: 105,740

BIPOC population: 27 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 26 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Ithaca: Rashida Sawyer Bakery

Rashida Sawyer Bakery is a long-standing local bakery known for cakes and baked goods. The bakery has been a beloved part of the community for decades.

1. Anniston–Oxford–Jacksonville, AL

Population: 113,469

BIPOC population: 32 percent

BIPOC-owned businesses: 31 percent

BIPOC Business to Support in Anniston–Oxford–Jacksonville: Thai One On

Thai One On is a locally owned restaurant serving Thai cuisine alongside popular dishes from other Asian traditions. Favorites include pad thai and several curries, with authentic flavors prepared by the owner-chef.

Across the country, metro areas vary widely in how well business ownership reflects local diversity. Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses—whether by visiting in person, ordering delivery, booking services, or shopping online—helps close representation gaps and strengthens local economies.