The crowd was more of a trickle than a flood at the kickoff to Black Business Week at George Floyd Square on Thursday.

But those who attended had a range of activities to choose from, including an art crawl, a guided tour of the neighborhood, kid-friendly games, local vendors and a panel where entrepreneurs discussed their vision for the neighborhood.

The city launched Black Business Week in 2021 to support Black entrepreneurs and highlight the key role they play in revitalizing Minneapolis neighborhoods.

“We know that Black women are creating businesses at rates higher than any other group of people,” Mayor Jacob Frey said at a news conference Thursday marking the fifth iteration of the event.

And he said it was “emblematic” that this year’s event started in George Floyd Square as the city works toward a plan for the neighborhood.

A panel on Thursday at the Square Event Center opened some of those questions, with business owners pushing back on plans to close the intersection.

Other events this week include a business mall at the Capri Theatre on Saturday, a resource fair for East African businesses at the Brian Coyle Community Center on Monday, and a summit at Midtown Global Market on Wednesday.

Vendors set up tents and games along Chicago Avenue at 38th Street for the kickoff to Minneapolis Black Business Week. Credit: Chris Juhn for Sahan Journal

A Minneapolis police officer talks to vendors selling jewelry at the event. The presence of police in George Floyd Square has been controversial to some. Credit: Chris Juhn for Sahan Journal

C. Terrence Anderson, owner of Bichota Coffee, speaks during a panel discussion during Legacy on the Block. Credit: Chris Juhn for Sahan Journal

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey holds up a proclamation proclaiming July 21-July 31 to be Black Business Week in Minneapolis at a news conference on July 24, 2025. With him were Council Member Andrea Jenkins, left, Council President Elliot Payne, center right, and chef Lachelle Cunningham of Chelle’s Kitchen. Credit: Chris Juhn for Sahan Journal

Ace Rice, owner of Plot Gallery, which was part of an arts crawl during the Black Business Week kickoff at George Floyd Square. Credit: Chris Juhn for Sahan Journal