FAQ — Certified Black American Owned (B.A.O.) List

FAQs

The B.A.O. List spotlights businesses owned by Black Americans who are descendants of enslaved Black People in the United States.
It's precise, not exclusionary. Black American identity which is shaped by chattel slavery, Jim Crow, and centuries of specific U.S. history is its own distinct lineage and experience. The B.A.O. List exists to honor and support that lineage specifically.
Business owners submit an attestation confirming their eligibility. We may also incorporate additional verification steps as the process evolves.

Once your intake form and attestation are submitted, expect up to 3 business days for review. We'll notify you the moment you're live!
Once you're listed on the site, we feature you on Instagram within 48 hours.

We take it seriously. Disputes are reviewed against our verification criteria, and listings can be updated or removed if the criteria aren't met.
Yes — annually, to keep the directory accurate and trustworthy over time.
As The B.A.O. List launches, listings are free. That may change as we grow, but early businesses join at no cost.