Last month, CEO Sundar Pichai said Google “would develop initiatives and product ideas that support long-term solutions” for the black community. One of these efforts is a way for Black-owned companies to identify themselves on Google Maps and Search, with the launch of that attribute today.
This marker appears when Google has noticed a recent “increase in online searches for black-owned businesses.” From the Google My Business portal, merchants will be able to add Black’s proprietary business attribute. Today it’s available in the US for those with a verified business profile.
Appearing under “Featured” in Google Maps and Search, Black’s proprietary attribute features a three-striped orange icon with a black heart in the center. He joins others like “Women-Led” and “LGBTQ-friendly”, as well as accessibility.
To encourage adoption of this attribute, Google is partnering with US Black Chambers, Inc. in training designed to help increase presence by leveraging tools like My Business and Analytics. Other efforts include:
As part of our $ 300 million commitment to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, we are integrating the attribute into the digital skills training programs we offer to black business owners through Grow with Google Digital Coaches. And through Google for Startups Accelerator for Black Founders, we started our work with the first cohort of 12 startups.
After an open call for employee ideas, Pichai said in June that the company received more than 500 suggestions. Some have already been implemented, such as the Assistant’s response to Black Lives Matter, while a product working group is working to prioritize and implement others. The company is also working to strengthen “hate and harassment policies” on its platforms.
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