How to Find BIPOC, Women, and Minority-Owned Businesses for Your Next Home Project

By Nafeesah Allen, Ph.D. 

There is a significant racial disparity in homeownership in the United States. The same is true for ancillary industries, like appraisals, inspections, handy repairs, construction, design, and architecture. While there may be many skilled tradespeople in your area, the common tendency is to go back to the same few companies that are tried and true. However, new businesses are popping up every day, including those owned by underrepresented contractors.

“In today’s digital landscape, finding and hiring BIPOC, especially Black home improvement professionals, involves deliberate steps,” says Pascale Sablan, the Global President of the National Organization of Minority Architects. “[Leverage] social media and online forums, and [use] specific search terms like ‘BIPOC,’ ‘Black-owned,’ ‘minority-owned’ to find professionals who meet your project’s needs.”

The importance of hiring BIPOC (and especially Black) talent transcends just filling a role, Sablan says. It’s about enriching your project with diverse perspectives, supporting economic growth within communities, and championing inclusivity in the industry.

To keep the home improvement industry thriving in your town or region, it’s important to spread business around and employ a diverse, talented array of craftspeople. But where do you start? From nationwide directories to business certification registries, there are lots of places to help you find the right service provider for your needs. Use these resources to search for and vet BIPOC and women-owned businesses you might never have heard of before.