Spotlighting Black-owned Businesses During Black History Month—and all year long

by PIDC
February 23, 2024

Explore Categories

This Black History Month, we’re honoring the achievements of Black business owners throughout Philadelphia, who help power our city’s economy and provide anchors for our neighborhoods. PIDC works every day to provide business owners the tools, knowledge, connections, and financing they need to reach – and exceed – their business goals. 

As a celebration of equity and inclusion, we’re spotlighting a few of our Black-owned business clients. From comfort food to fine art, these business owners embody the spirit of Black excellence.

Jar of honey
Medicinal honey from Ancient Healing Teas

Ancient Healing Teas

Amanishakhete James is the founder and queen herbalist of Ancient Healing Teas, a shop specializing in ancestral remedies & cleanses that allow the body to heal on its own. As a child, her mother taught her the value and healing properties of herbs, which she used to address imbalances in her own body. As she continued to heal herself naturally, James knew she wanted to share her knowledge with others. In 2021, Ancient Healing Teas received a working capital loan from PIDC, which supported the operations of the business. Ancient Healing Teas now offers a wide range of all-natural products you can use to heal yourself and your loved ones.

Owner holding a painting canvas.
Owner Keisha Whatley of Custom Arts Studio

Custom Arts Studio

Custom Arts Studio transforms ideas into vibrant realities! This full service fine art and design team has over 30 combined years of experience and can work on creative projects of all types, including custom paintings, graphic and web design, murals, and more. PIDC had the pleasure of supporting Owner Keisha Whatley with a commercial real estate loan for the acquisition and renovation of a 2,400+ sq. ft. CMX2-zone commercial property.


Chicken and waffle dish from Pretty Girls Cook
Fried chicken & waffles for brunch at Pretty Girls Cook

Pretty Girls Cook

At the intersection of American comfort food and female empowerment, Pretty Girls Cook is a must-try destination for Philly food fanatics. Owned by Dominique Shields, this Northern Liberties restaurant is the perfect BYOB brunch spot for your next girls weekend! The walls are lined with pictures of powerful women throughout history, creating an atmosphere of sisterhood and support. With food to fit every palette, you can satisfy your cravings and soothe your soul. PIDC is proud to have supported Pretty Girls Cook with a CHIRP Grant in 2021 to help with furniture, inventory, and COVID-19 expenses.

Co-owners from Two Locals Brewing
Brothers & founders Mengistu and Richard Koiler of Two Locals Brewing

Two Locals Brewing Company

Brothers Richard and Mengistu Koilor made history recently, opening Two Locals Brewing Company, the first black-owned brewery in Philadelphia. What started as backyard brewing has blossomed into a successful operation, with a 15-barrel brewery and food supplied by Liberty Kitchen. PIDC proudly supported this groundbreaking business with a Restart PHL Loan, which provided flexible, 0%-interest capital to small businesses as they pivoted business operations during the pandemic.

Are you looking for financial support for your small business? Visit our website to learn how PIDC resources can help your business grow.

Explore Categories