Celebrating Black Business Excellence in Tennessee | Local News

August is National Black Business month.

To celebrate, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) will be traveling to recognize nine black businesses across the state.

TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter will make one of his stops in Chattanooga to recognize Cocoa Asante, a shop featuring artisan chocolates made from Cacao in Ghana.

The chocolate shop is a black women-owned company that handcrafts chocolates “almost too pretty to eat,” they say on their website.

“Our ultimate vision is to help create a more sustainable, ethical, and equitable chocolate industry,” said Ella Livingston, CEO & Founder of Cocoa Asante, on the website.

The nine black businesses in Tennessee to be recognized include:

1. ActionVFX – Johnson City, Washington County
2. Cocoa Asante – Chattanooga, Hamilton County
3. Hardy Beverages – Memphis, Shelby County
4. Helen’s Bar-B-Q – Brownsville, Haywood County
5. John’s Place – Cookeville, Putnam County
6. Johnson Heating & Air – Union City, Obion County
7. Premiere Building Maintenance Corporation – Knoxville, Knox County
8. Uncle Nearest – Shelbyville, Bedford County
9. Citizens Bank – Nashville, Davidson County

A release from TNECD said most of the businesses have been staples in their communities for decades and have positively influenced their community.

“From renowned visual effects companies and chocolatiers to the nation’s oldest Black-owned bank and the fastest-growing whiskey brand in American history, these companies, their leadership and staff are a testament to the Volunteer State’s vibrant culture,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said.

In a 2023 study, the Volunteer State was named the second-best state across the U.S. for Black-owned business.

The low cost of living, high annual income of Black business owners, and lack of a state income tax were named as some of the reasons for the state’s top-tier ranking.

“Our state is defined by the brands that call Tennessee home, and it is important that we continue to recognize the businesses that are pillars across the state,” said commissioner McWhorter.