Oakland, CA — October 29, 2025 — BuyBlack.org and I Am Black Business today announced a strategic collaboration to connect and modernize their respective Black-owned business directories through a shared digital infrastructure. The partnership marks a milestone in the effort to close the visibility gap facing Black entrepreneurs by consolidating fragmented data and enabling equitable, structured access for partners, developers, and organizations.
Under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two organizations will co-develop a shared API platform—the BuyBlack Developer API—designed to provide verified, up-to-date business information to applications, maps, loyalty tools, research initiatives, and other digital experiences that promote Black commerce.
“This partnership represents a shift from competition to cooperation,” said David Derryck, Founder of BuyBlack.org. “By building shared infrastructure, we’re creating the foundation for visibility and economic mobility that every Black-owned business deserves.”
“Our missions have always been aligned,” added Joe Guster, Co-founder of I Am Black Business. “Through this partnership, we can streamline data accuracy, reduce duplication, and empower developers and community organizations to innovate on top of a reliable, unified source of truth.”
Phase 1: Developer API and Pilot Launch
The initial phase will focus on technical integration and pilot deployment:
- API Schema Review: Establish the minimum shared fields for interoperability.
- Dataset Integration: Combine and synchronize business listings for real-time accuracy.
- Hosting & Access: Implement a secure shared environment with mutual visibility and key management.
- Pilot Endpoint: Launch the first shared API endpoint—Business Search by City—within 30 days.
Following evaluation of the pilot’s performance and community feedback, the partnership will expand to Phase 2, adding premium endpoints such as reviews, verified listings, and loyalty data. A Phase 3 Partner Program will later enable developers, directories, and institutions to build monetized tools on top of the shared platform.
Shared Vision and Governance
The collaboration is grounded in principles of data integrity, transparency, and equitable participation. -. Access to the unified database will be provided exclusively through the API or verified partner channels.
Both teams have agreed to co-lead platform development, share growth metrics, and publish a progress update following the Phase 1 launch.
About BuyBlack.org
BuyBlack.org is the nation’s largest directory of Black-owned businesses, with a mission to drive traffic and revenue to Black entrepreneurs through technology, storytelling, and community engagement. Its platform includes a national directory, e-commerce marketplace, and city guides that connect consumers to verified Black-owned businesses.
About I Am Black Business
Founded in 2014, I Am Black Business helps consumers find, rate, and support Black-owned businesses through its mobile app and digital directory. The platform serves as a bridge between businesses and their communities, offering tools for discovery, engagement, and impact tracking.
Media Contact
BuyBlack.org
press@buyblack.org | (510) 800-7241
I Am Black Business
info@iamblackbusiness.com | (470) 333-9133