The pandemic has exacerbated the hardship experienced by Black small business owners, with access to capital investment a major challenge. While economic prosperity is recognized as the path to equality, there remains a lack of opportunity for Black business owners.

As small businesses face big challenges during the pandemic, locals are showing extra support in an effort to keep them afloat. To facilitate this, Shopify has launched an app to promote local businesses, in an attempt to help them compete with larger brands.

Traveling around the US, Pop Up Grocer is delivering a curated retail experience to its American shoppers. In doing so, it’s catering to a more adventurous, discerning, and globally aware shopper post-pandemic, and paving the way for a more unique shopping atmosphere in the future.

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement being reignited by the death of George Floyd, brands are taking to social media to express solidarity and support. But as people expect increased transparency and accountability from companies, they are being asked to ‘pull up or shut up’.