Photo by RDNE Stock project
Entrepreneurs have remained the cornerstone of the American economy. The country’s remarkable enterprise system creates room for businesses to not only thrive, but to receive more entrants into the space. Whether as innovators, taxpayers, employers of labor, providers of goods and services, every business has a role to play in the socio-economic progress of the country.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “Entrepreneurship is booming in the United States. Over the last few years, the number of applications filed to start new businesses has surged. Application numbers doubled in 2020 compared to recent years, and 2021 and 2022 saw over 5 million applications filed, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The trend only accelerated in 2023, with a record-breaking 5.5 million new business applications filed.” (Source: New business applications are booming. Track them by state. | U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
For cities like Philadelphia, the establishment of women-owned businesses has become a regular occurrence. According to the United States Census Bureau quick facts report about the city of Philadelphia, “the total number of women-owned firms stands at 5,340 for 2022.” (Source: U.S. Census Bureau quick facts: Philadelphia city, Pennsylvania)
While data for 2025 is still forthcoming, current trends strongly indicate that the number of women entrepreneurs in Philadelphia continues to grow, with Black women increasingly making their mark in the entrepreneurial space. By providing a diverse range of services that cater to the unique needs of the city, Philadelphia’s economy continues to flourish as a direct result of its extensive array of small and large businesses.
Let us take a closer look at 5 outstanding Black women-owned businesses contributing significantly to the growth of Philadelphia’s economy:
Photo by RDNE Stock project
Girls Auto Clinic (GAC)
Founder of Girls Auto Clinic, Patrice Banks. Image source: patricebanks.com
In a predominantly male-dominated industry, the automotive sector can throw up some inspiring surprises, more so in the city of Philadelphia where Girls Auto Clinic (GAC) is continually providing essential car maintenance services for the Philadelphia community.
Founded in 2013 by Patrice Banks, an engineer now turned mechanic entrepreneur, GAC is an auto repair shop with predominantly female mechanics who not only provide top-notch services to its growing clientele but also offer invaluable educative sessions to women (SHECANICS), teaching them how to carry out basic car maintenance operations on their vehicles.
As a unique added plus, women are offered a beauty salon service where clients can have their beauty needs catered to while their vehicles are expertly attended to. This innovative approach makes GAC a standout car repair shop in Philadelphia.
Freedom Apothecary
Photo from Freedom Apothecary
Looking to keep your skin nourished and enjoy a session that focuses on healing, self-care, and overall wellness in Philadelphia? Then Freedom Apothecary, located in the heart of the city, is the perfect place to be. Established by Bonkosi Horn, Freedom Apothecary is passionately focused on providing healthy body and non-toxic skincare products that offer natural remedies for women’s beauty and wellness.
Customers can also actively participate in their insightful workshops, as well as receive personalized skincare consultations that help them better understand how to prioritize their health and well-being. For those seeking natural skincare in Philadelphia, Freedom Apothecary is a true gem.
Yowie Hotel and Shop
Photo Source: Yowie
Founded by the visionary Shannon Maldonado, Yowie in Philadelphia is more than just a business; it’s a captivating hotel and lifestyle retail shop that thoughtfully showcases a curated selection of products from independent designers, unique artworks, and an array of stylish home products.
Its hotel section is meticulously designed to give its visitors a warm and exceptionally cozy experience, with its distinctive aesthetics and colorfully designed rooms that are both unique and stylish. The hotel lounge also provides a welcoming relaxation spot for visitors to interact and mingle. Beyond its distinctive hotel and shop services, Yowie also serves as a vibrant meeting ground for talented artists, innovative designers, and creative event planners looking to host festivals and other exciting forms of collaboration. Discover unique shops in Philadelphia at Yowie.
Harrietts Bookshop
Named with deep reverence after the iconic Underground Railroad activist Harriet Tubman, this cherished bookshop in Philadelphia proudly showcases a rich collection of books from numerous accomplished authors, with a significant focus on highlighting and celebrating the profound works of Black women authors in literature, as well as influential activists.
Founded by the passionate Jeannine A. Cook, the bookstore provides several delightful sections brimming with books from both revered traditional and groundbreaking contemporary authors such as Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Kiese Laymon, Kate Clifford Larson, Erica Armstrong Dunbar, as well as countless others that are a true reader’s delight. For those seeking Black bookstores in Philadelphia with a powerful mission, Harriett Bookshop is a vital community hub.
The Sable Collective
Instagram | thesablecollective
The Sable Collective was thoughtfully created to specifically meet the diverse needs of Black women seeking high-quality products that authentically reflected and beautifully defined Black culture. Its unique and ever-evolving array of both online and physical products consistently meets and exceeds those expectations.
Strategically situated in Philadelphia’s vibrant Fashion District, The Sable Collective stands as a premier one-stop shop where Black women can effortlessly find diverse products that cater to their individual fashion and beauty needs, from exquisite jewelry and stylish clothing to comfortable footwear and other captivating kinds of adornments. The company also passionately supports talented women artisans and entrepreneurs by providing a platform to showcase their exceptional products. Explore unique fashion and beauty finds for Black women in Philadelphia at The Sable Collective.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com
