Community-driven effort will highlight local brick and mortar businesses in the Indy Region
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, the City of Indianapolis, via its By Design initiative, and in partnership with the Indy Chamber, and the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce, is announcing the launch of the inaugural Black Wealth Crawl. This event invites the community to discover and support Black-owned businesses across Indianapolis.
From August 28 to September 7, the Black Wealth Crawl will feature 17 participating Black-owned businesses throughout the city. Each qualifying visit enters participants into a raffle, each winner receiving a $150 gift card to reinvest in local businesses.
“By Design exists to create intentional pathways so every person in our city can thrive,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “The Black Wealth Crawl is an opportunity for neighbors to participate in the efforts of By Design while supporting the businesses that help our communities flourish.”
The initiative kicks off with a community celebration hosted by the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce on Friday, August 28 from 9:30-11am, bringing together participating businesses, civic leaders and community partners.
The Black Wealth Crawl concludes Monday, September 7 from 4-7pm with a community celebration at 1000 Words Gallery, recognizing participating businesses and celebrating Black entrepreneurship and history through an art activation.
“The Black Wealth Crawl creates a meaningful opportunity for residents to support local entrepreneurs while contributing to a broader conversation about economic mobility, neighborhood investment, and inclusive growth,” said Indy Chamber President & CEO Matt Mindrum.
The Black Wealth Crawl is the first major public activation to emerge from the City’s By Design Economic Empowerment Blueprint, a roadmap of near-term, city-led actions to advance Black wealth-building and reduce barriers to economic opportunity.
Residents can learn more and explore participating businesses at indybydesign.org/wealth-crawl.
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About By Design
By Design is a City-led, collaborative economic empowerment initiative advancing economic mobility and wealth-building opportunities for Black Indianapolis residents, informed by and in partnership with the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund’s national CityStart program. By Design combines research, storytelling, community engagement and data analysis to guide future investments, partnerships and strategies for inclusive economic growth.
About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber champions a stronger regional economy by connecting people, supporting business, and shaping places that thrive. From bold advocacy to smart economic development and inclusive business growth, we bring together public and private leadership to keep the Indy region moving forward. As we work to strengthen the foundation of our economy, we focus on big ideas, fast action, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. With momentum, collaboration, and pride in our region, the Indy Chamber is building a future where the Indy region leads the Midwest and competes on a global stage.
About the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce
Indy Black Chamber of Commerce is an Indianapolis-based organization dedicated to advancing economic growth and business development for entrepreneurs and business owners across the city. Through member education, funding, programming, and business support services, the chamber equips business owners with practical tools and resources to strengthen and scale their ventures. Its work spans organizational communications, event planning, and structured programming designed to build a stronger pipeline of contract ready, sustainable businesses within the community. By fostering connections among members, consultants, and funding partners, Indy Black Chamber of Commerce serves as a hub for collaboration, mentorship, and opportunity. We help businesses in Indianapolis grow, gain visibility, and access the capital and networks needed to thrive.
