Photo by Kelly
The business world is on the march, and 2026 is set to bring groundbreaking innovations and exciting new prospects. Consumer preferences are shifting, and technology is constantly evolving. In response, small businesses are continually emerging globally and adapting to the changing market landscape.
Philadelphia, a city where history meets hustle, has long been a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. In recent years, the city’s small business scene has flourished, particularly among Black entrepreneurs who are redefining industries with creativity, resilience, and community-minded values.
Among Philly’s thriving small-business scene is an array of Black-owned shops that represent the future. From fashion and food to sustainable solutions that protect our planet and cutting-edge tech services that revolutionize our lives, they are making waves and capturing the hearts of the community.
With the city preparing to host major 2026 events, including the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and Philadelphia 250 celebrations, Philadelphia’s Black-owned business community is poised for an extraordinary year. This is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to position themselves for growth and the global spotlight.
“In 2026, the city will be buzzing with global visitors, major events, and unprecedented opportunities for local businesses. This kind of economic energy only happens a few times in a generation,” says Regina Hairston, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Whether you are looking for skincare, bookstores, or restaurants, Philadelphia is home to many small businesses, many of which are Black-owned. Here are some of Philly’s top small businesses you should watch out for this year.
The Movement Philly
Source: Facebook / The Movement Philly
Founded by friends (and former business competitors) Aaron Johnson and Bruce Tabbs, The Movement Philly specializes in handmade clothing, T-shirts, tie-dye, jewelry, and vegan bath and beauty products. The Movement features brands made by Black-owned manufacturers, large and small. Everything is made by Black hands, which means with every purchase you make, you are supporting an entire village of Black makers.
Philly Black owned businesses offer a culturally diverse hub of heritage-rich products and services. We play a vital part in the city’s local economy. I think of each entrepreneur as a cultural Ambassador who brings a sense of excitement to the local business district. Philly is known for its boutique offerings and our businesses play a major part in the appeal. Supporting our businesses helps keep dollars in the community- Sandy Lawrence, CEO, ICAP INC.
This year, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, The Movement Philly will be showcasing the best Black artisans, jewelers, leather designers, and more every Saturday in February.
You can find them at 7133 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119, United States.
Dosso Beauty
Source: dossobeauty.com
Founded by Kadidja Dosso in 2018, this Black-Owned/Women-Led company is versed in hypoallergenic braiding hair and organic hair care products for anyone with sensitive scalps and skin. Dosso Beauty provides affordable organic and cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care products, and hair care products to consumers. This organic beauty supplier has been dedicated to providing the best hypoallergenic hair extensions since 2018.
“In a world where the ethnic beauty space is often overlooked, we’re choosing radical transparency. Because the Black community and our global diaspora deserve organic, trustworthy, scalp-safe products made with love, not shortcuts,” Kadidja says.
You can find them at 5102 Rochelle Ave, Commercial 2, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128. You can also visit their website, dossobeauty.com, to see a range of their products.
A Little Mental
Its founder, Morgan Reid, a mental health professional and operations specialist, is on a mission to break the barriers that prevent people from receiving mental health care. She started A Little Mental to help people find resources and access care. It was founded in 2020, the year when we had to navigate unprecedented levels of trauma, isolation, stress, and overall emotional turmoil due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Source: Instagram / arodough
AroDough is the first product developed at A Little Mental. It is a portable self-care tool that holds the benefits of aromatherapy, fidget toys, and mindfulness tools combined. The dough can be smelled, squeezed, sculpted, or just rolled in your hands.
Find them online: alittlemental.com
Soul Haum Yoga
Source: Instagram / soulhaumyoga
It’s a new year, and it may be time for you to let something go. Located in the Fairmount/ Brewerytown section of Philadelphia, this Black woman-owned wellness and trauma healing space is the place to be. Soul Haum Yoga specializes in trauma-informed yoga, pilates, and somatic experiencing. Its founder, Jasmine Allen, is certified in Accessible Yoga. She is a somatic experiencing practitioner in training and now accepting somatic experiencing clients.
Visit their wellness and trauma healing space at 2719 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
Source: Facebook / Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
Temple University professor and author Marc Lamont Hill founded the store in 2017 to provide underserved communities with access to books and a space where everyone feels valued.
This independent, Black-owned Coffee Shop and Bookstore, located in the heart of Germantown, Philadelphia, also serves high-quality coffee, food products, and other items, such as apparel and children’s games. Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books holds free author talks, and dozens of other events, including weekly story time for kids and back-to-school drives. Their tagline says it all: “Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee.”
The shop is located at 5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144. Opening hours are Monday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
BigMouth Toothbrush
Source: Instagram / thebigmouthtoothbrush
Dr. Bobbi Peterson, the first Black woman orthodontist to design a toothbrush, made an impact with her innovative design that landed her a $150,000 deal from a Shark investor.
The toothbrush offers thorough, efficient cleaning with an extra-large head and bristles that are three times the size of a typical toothbrush. The features help cover both the teeth and the gums simultaneously. The Big Mouth Toothbrush combines luxury and oral care, creating a spa-like experience for your mouth. Visit their website to see their products and more.
JAB Your Face
Source: Facebook / JAB Your Face
Joyce Sample (mother), Alexis, and Brianna Johnson (daughters) started this small business based in West Philadelphia during the pandemic in 2020. They craft natural, handmade soaps & body butter that your skin will love. Their products, which include lavender, oatmeal, and turmeric soaps, are available for purchase online at their website.
Farina Pasta & Noodle
Source: Facebook / Farina Pasta & Noodle
US Army Veteran Daniel Lee is the owner and chef of Farina Pasta & Noodle. Lee, who received a $30k small business loan from The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation in 2023, serves out-of-this-world custom pasta dishes made with only quality, locally sourced ingredients to suit any palate. Farina Pasta Bar, conveniently located in Center City, is your go-to destination for delicious Italian cuisine. It’s an easy stop for locals, office lunches, and visitors alike, where you can enjoy their dine-in, takeout, and delivery services tailored for every craving.
Visit Farina Pasta Bar at 132 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Source:
African-American Chamber of Commerce keys on economic outlook, 2026 opportunities for Black-owned businesses. City & State Pennsylvania
