Nicole Murphy, founder and CEO of Barter Black®, created a membership-based bartering platform to help Black entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses by exchanging services. Barter Black® is currently open to U.S.-based Black entrepreneurs running product or service-based businesses.
“My journey into tech was never about gadgets or coding; it was about solving real problems. As a full-time entrepreneur for over a decade, I saw firsthand how hard it was for Black business owners to scale when access to funding, team support, or reliable service providers was out of reach. I knew technology could be the bridge. I didn’t have a tech background, but I had a solution that needed to exist, and I built it,” the Marylander said.
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Murphy stated that she spent her career working in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. Her experience provided a unique perspective on the financial and operational gaps that exist for Black-owned businesses.
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 90px;}}How Does Barter Black® Work?
Barter Black® creates a supportive ecosystem by leveraging expertise rather than relying solely on capital.
“Whether you’re a graphic designer, lawyer, marketer, coach, or product-based business owner, you can use Barter Black® to get what you need and offer what you’re best at,” Murphy added. “I wanted to create a space where we could scale, hire, and grow without waiting on loans or perfect credit scores.”
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-2{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-2{min-height: 90px;}}Black business owners across the country, from new solopreneurs to experienced entrepreneurs, offer a legitimate product or service through the membership-based platform. Murphy further explained that to join, members pay a one-time activation fee, $47 for the Silver Plan or $97 for the Gold Plan. An inclusion of 250 or 500 Welcome Barter Bucks℠ allows members to start bartering immediately.
“Barter Bucks℠ are trade credits used to buy and sell products or services on the Barter Black® platform. Instead of direct exchanges, members earn Barter Bucks℠ by listing what they offer, then use them to purchase from other members in the network,” Murphy noted.
Monthly fees are $20 for Silver or $30 for Gold. Both plans come with perks such as access to The Wellness Mirror, a monthly grant list, member social spotlights, event promotions and access to be a guest on the Barter Black® podcast. The only additional cost is a small service fee when making purchases.
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-3{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-3{min-height: 90px;}}The Barter Black® Evolution
Barter Black® was born out of the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Murphy’s property management business was thriving until travel stopped. She observed numerous talented Black entrepreneurs struggling not because their businesses are not valuable, but because they lacked support. In response, Murphy launched her platform in 2022. The mobile app is set to launch on February 5, 2026, and The Barter Black® App Launch Tour kicks off in Maryland and continues to Tulsa, Houston, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and New Orleans.
“The purpose is to raise brand awareness, celebrate Black entrepreneurship, and bring our community together offline to network, collaborate, and build real momentum. This isn’t just about promoting an app, it’s about connecting people and businesses in real time, because nothing says collaboration like bartering,” Murphy explained.
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-4{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-4{min-height: 90px;}}A Member SpeaksDr. Shatiea Blount, founder and owner of Eye In Me, LLC (https://eyeinme.com) found out about Barter Black® from a Mastermind Cohort led by MBA Growth Partners.
“I have had wonderful experiences on Barter Black. As an early adopter, it has been great to see the platform grow,” said Dr. Blount. “I have bartered my skills in mental health; facilitation of entrepreneur psychological wellness events; strategic planning; and program development to receive custom jewelry; graphic design services; printing services for conference materials; virtual assistant services; social media strategy sessions; and access to the established audiences of social media influencers. This has been amazing and a lifesaver for my business.”
As a licensed clinician, Dr. Blount cannot barter therapy services. However, she can use Barter Black to help me build and refine the company infrastructure.
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Get on the WaitlistMembers who join Barter Black® receive needed support to growtheir businesses and join a community that they have been missing, according to Murphy.
“Too many business owners are doing everything alone. When you become a member, you instantly gain a team and a network. Joining the waitlist ensures you’re the first to know when the app drops. You’ll also get early access to test the platform and receive special perks when it launches, she stated.
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-6{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-6{min-height: 90px;}}Visithttp://barterblack.ioto find out more about Barter Black; join the waitlist viahttp://barterblack.appand followhttps://www.instagram.com/ibarterblack.
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