Small Business Month: Why (and How) to Support Caribbean Creators This May

May is officially National Small Business Month, and if you’ve been following my journey here at Caribbean Sentiments, you know that "small" business actually requires a "big" heart.

For me, Small Business Month isn't just about sales goals or hitting 1,000 followers (though we are working on it! It’s about the power of intentionality. When you choose to shop with a

Caribbean-owned brand, you aren't just buying a product; you are helping us archive our culture, preserve our lingo, and keep our traditions alive in a modern world.

Supporting the culture is easier when you know where to look. If you want to be intentional with your spending this month, here are a few of my favorite resources for discovering authentic Caribbean brands:

• Caribbean Biz Network: A powerhouse for connecting with professional Caribbean entrepreneurs. They are a fantastic resource if you’re looking to support businesses that are scaling and making an impact.

• Caribbean Green Book: Think of this as your cultural compass. It’s a dedicated directory that makes it simple to find everything from Caribbean-owned restaurants to artisans and service providers.

• Little Caribbean (NYC): If you are in Brooklyn, take a walk through Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues. This designated cultural district is home to the highest concentration of Caribbean-owned businesses in the city.

• BuyBLK. ByBLK. curated by The Lay Out, this is a go-to for finding Black-owned creators (many with Caribbean roots) who are popping up at markets all over the city.

Using these directories takes the guesswork out of being an intentional shopper. As a business owner myself, being listed alongside these incredible brands is a reminder that we aren't just individual shops, we are a collective economy.

When you use a tool like the Caribbean Green Book to find your next gift or meal, you’re helping to ensure that our cultural footprint in cities like New York stays strong and vibrant.

How are you planning to support Caribbean-owned businesses during Small Business Month month? Let me know in the comments!