There’s lots going on at the Black Business Hub, and seemingly more coming every day. Grab a latte, get your nails done, do your banking, and support the growing number of minority-owned businesses that call the Hub home.
We recently took a look at the building to see what’s there and find out what’s coming next.
What is the Black Business Hub?
The Black Business Hub at 2352 Park St. is a $25.5 million, four-story, 81,000-square foot building designed to be an incubator and an accelerator for minority-owned businesses. In addition to being a physical space that can accommodate over 100 businesses, it’s home to the organizations and support networks that can help those businesses thrive.
It’s run by the Urban League of Greater Madison, and while it officially opened its doors last August, new businesses are steadily moving into the building. Last month, a new four-story “Colorful Characters” mural designed by artist Michael Ford, and featuring several South Madison leaders such as Lori Mann Carey and Wayne Strong, was unveiled on the parking structure next door to the Hub.
The mural “Colorful Characters” celebrates South Madison leaders. (City of Madison)
Get Something To Eat or Drink
While the upper floors are devoted to offices, retail businesses, and co-working spaces, the main floor is set aside for food entrepreneurs. The new Rasta Barista Coffee opened in May, specializing in Blue Mountain Coffee from the mountains of Jamaica.
The coffee shop also sells jerk chicken tenders and fries as well as chocolate truffles. A perfect drink on a hot summer day is sorrel, a tart and sweet ruby-red iced drink made with infused dried hibiscus petals.
On Friday through Sundays, House of Flavas will open its doors in the Hub’s shared commercial kitchen to serve food for lunch and dinner, focusing on its soul food specialties on Saturdays and Sundays. And the elegant space for Tailer Nicole Wine and Cupcakes looks ready for its grand opening at the end of June.
Rasta Barista opened in May on the first floor of the Black Business Hub. (Rob Thomas / Madison Minutes)
Do Some Shopping or Self-Care
In front of the food businesses is an expansive open space for people to eat and drink. On Saturdays, that space will be given over to the Hub’s Pop-Up Market, which will include local entrepreneurs selling both food items like seafood, tacos, and fresh juices, as well as candles, jewelry, art, hair care products, and more.
Speaking of hair care, head upstairs to get styled at Inspire Barber and Beauty Salon. It’s the second location for the barbershop, joining the one at East Towne Mall. Or get your nails or hair done at Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, Madison’s first Black-owned cosmetology school.
