Staff Writer As protestors filled the streets of cities across the world last week, the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting many small businesses — particularly restaurants and retailers, who are struggling to stay afloat.
For Black business owners, the economic crisis brought on by the global pandemic is more overwhelming, as historically, they face greater obstacles when it comes to accessing credit, gaining investments, and the ability to even open a business from the start. An easy way you can help make a positive impact is to buy from Black-owned businesses, as many of them around the world have been forced to lay-off their employees, reduce their hours of operations, or shut down completely.
Here is a list of Black businesses you can support in Toronto.
Get Fresh Company
Get Fresh Company officially opened its doors in August of 2013 and launched their business by buying and selling products from companies they liked. Soon enough, they wanted to create their own brand and now offer only authentic goods. Their full line is available to order through their website.
- Instagram: @getfreshcompany
- Address: 498 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Veggie D’Light
Veggie D’Light provides healthy vegan and Caribbean take-out and catering. Due to government regulations surrounding COVID-19, they’re currently offering scheduled pick-up & delivery only, which can be done via phone call for same-day deliveries, or by email to order in advance.
- Instagram: @chefpeterveggiedlight
- Address: 160 Baldwin St, Kensington Market, Toronto, ON
Classic Juice Co.
Classic Juice Co. provides healthy snacks & drinks, from Immunity Shots and Cold-Pressed Juice to Smoothies and Wraps. This family-operated business is inspired by the Jamaican Rastafarian Ital Lifestyle, and its mission is to be a trusted brand for all those who “practice self-love in a concentrated effort for a better world”.
- Instagram: @classicjuicecompany
- Address: 287 Coxwell Ave, Toronto, ON
All Star Beauty Complex
All Star Beauty Complex is a store, both e-commerce and retailer, that offers everything from hair extensions, skincare products, to hairdryers, straighteners, curlers, and more. To ensure safety measures due to COVID-19, they’re offering pre-order and pick-up through their website.
- Instagram: @allstarbeautyca
- Address: 2406 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, ON
A Different Booklist
A Different Booklist is a Canadian-based multicultural bookstore specializing in novels and literature from the African & Caribbean diaspora, as well as the Global South. From literature surrounding gender studies to politics, race & social justice, A Different Booklist is dedicated to providing educational resources for their customers and school boards. They offer free shipping to Toronto residents and international shipping on their website.
- Instagram: @adfrntbooklist
- Address: 779 Bathurst Street, Toronto ON
For a master list of Black-owned businesses in the Greater Toronto area, @j.a.l.i.l and @desperateidiot kindly put one together. Check it out here.
