The archetypical idea of a hearth encompasses BOM’s central mission of support. The warm, nurturing space, in front of a fire is where family, friends, and partners meet to rest, recharge, and connect. BOM exists to create that space and consideration for Black entrepreneurs in Maine.
Anti-Racist Economics
Black Owned Maine understands how deeply racism is embedded into economic practices and recognizes how that harms Black communities. We work to disrupt those patterns of racism in order to open greater stability, opportunities, and growth for Black people.
Black businesses play an important role in providing essential, culturally relevant services and goods, and supporting Black-owned businesses also help members of our community have greater freedom and autonomy in their own lives.
Collective Grassroots Education
Black Owned Maine is increasing awareness of institutional racism throughout Maine, and offering solutions to counteract it. Often innocuous-sounding language, policies, and laws continue to perpetuate racism in Maine—but go unchecked due to a false sense that a small Black population doesn’t matter. BOM is doing this work through social media, speaking engagements, and consultations.
Our Story
Black Owned Maine was born during the police brutality uprising of summer 2020. We wanted to find a way to connect with our community deeper and in turn decided to publish a basic directory of Black-owned businesses in Maine.
We have since grown to become a full-fledged community organization and nonprofit with a focus on sustaining and innovating an ecosystem of Black entrepreneurs. Our staff and board of directors lead this effort.
Update September 2022: BOM is almost finished our strategic and organization planning. We look forward to announcing our new focus within the coming months. In the meantime, we welcome you to join our mailing list, follow us on social media, and support our cause through financial supports.
Case Studies
Coming soon.
Programs
Coming in Fall 2022.
Collaborations
Coming soon.