Housing tenants since late 2023, the Black Business Hub (2352 S. Park St.), the Madison area’s premier enterprise center devoted to incubating, accelerating and networking Black and other BIPOC entrepreneurs, is officially open to the public. Led by local Black business owners and located in the heart of Madison’s oldest multicultural neighborhood, the state-of-the-art center of commerce blends mission and business together offering space, services and community for entrepreneurs to learn, operate and grow.
“Creating buzz on the south side, the Black Business Hub is one of several projects fueling the Black Renaissance in the Madison area,” said Dr. Ruben Anthony, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison. “We are thrilled to offer more economic development support for minority-owned businesses than any other place in the state, and are proud to celebrate our official grand opening with the community in August.”
Everyone is invited to join the Urban League of Greater Madison at the Black Business Hub on Saturday, August 24 at noon to celebrate a decade of unity and progress within the Black community at the 10th Annual Unity Picnic, which will also serve as the grand opening celebration of the Black Business Hub. Admission is free and guests will enjoy a ribbon cutting ceremony, delicious food and refreshments, activities, resource tents and live entertainment. A separate event for Black Business Hub stakeholders will begin at 11 a.m. Additional information is available online.
To keep the excitement up all summer long, The Black Business Hub is hosting an Urban League Pop-Up Market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon – 6 p.m. through October 26. With more than 100 vendors registered, this summer’s pop-up market will feature merchants offering a variety of cuisines, including authentic west African, Mexican, Chicago-style and soul food, and other wares, like natural and body care products, jewelry, clothing, and more.
“The Black Business Hub is looking to help new businesses and entrepreneurs showcase what they can do,” said Magugu Davis, Director of the Black Business Hub at the Urban League of Greater Madison. “The Urban League Pop-Up Market allows vendors to build their businesses and connect with other entrepreneurs and the general public. We encourage everyone to visit us this summer to learn about and support all of these incredible businesses and the people behind them.”
The Black Business Hub has additional openings for businesses and entrepreneurs. Those interested can apply online.
“The Hub is an ecosystem in Madison. It’s special to have all these businesses and resources under one roof. This is a place for everyone who wants to better their lives, continue to learn, and we are proud to support people whether they are looking to buy a house, start a business, export their products or simply connect with one another,” said Davis.
