Blapp - Black-owned businesses icon
Blapp App: Comprehensive Review of Black-Owned Business Discovery Platform

by Blapp App

3.6
ANDROIDTravel & Local
Blapp connects users with Black-owned businesses across the US through location-based discovery. The app enables filtering by category and direct access to vendor platforms, though registration requirements present accessibility challenges.

Detailed Review

Blapp serves as a specialized discovery platform designed to connect consumers with Black-owned businesses throughout the United States. The application positions itself within the growing ecosystem of conscious consumerism tools, differentiating through its exclusive focus on supporting Black entrepreneurship. Unlike general business directories, Blapp specifically curates and verifies business ownership demographics, creating a targeted marketplace for users seeking to diversify their spending habits. The application's core functionality centers around location-based discovery, utilizing device GPS to display nearby Black-owned businesses through both map and list interfaces. Users can filter results by business category—ranging from restaurants and retail to professional services—and search for specific products or services. The platform integrates with third-party services, providing direct links to Yelp and Etsy listings for seamless transition to purchasing platforms. This integration allows users to access established review systems and purchasing mechanisms while maintaining Blapp's specialized discovery function. User experience varies significantly based on device and registration status. The interface employs a clean, minimalist design with intuitive navigation between map and list views. However, mandatory account creation with phone verification presents a substantial barrier to entry, as noted in multiple user reports. The application requires users to complete registration before accessing any business information, contrasting with competing platforms that offer browse-first experiences. Real-world usage patterns suggest the app functions best for planned shopping expeditions rather than spontaneous discovery due to these upfront requirements. User feedback reveals consistent patterns across installation dates. Aaron White's October 2022 review highlights verification code delivery failures, while Wiggle What's His Face!'s December 2022 report indicates crashing issues post-verification. Conversely, Meredith Thomas's January 2025 review reports flawless installation and verification on Android devices, suggesting possible platform-specific stability improvements. Positive reviews from Abby Washuta and Lionetta Terrell praise the concept and business discovery capabilities, though technical issues remain a recurring theme across negative and neutral evaluations. The application demonstrates clear value in business discovery and community support initiatives, with comprehensive filtering and integration with established marketplaces. Significant limitations include mandatory registration barriers, inconsistent verification system performance, and potential data completeness issues regarding business coverage. Blapp serves most effectively for users committed to intentional support of Black-owned businesses who are willing to navigate initial setup challenges, rather than those seeking immediate, casual discovery experiences.

Key Features

  • Interactive map display showing Black-owned businesses within geographic proximity, enabling visual discovery of local establishments
  • Category-based filtering system allowing users to narrow results by business type and services offered
  • Direct integration with Yelp and Etsy platforms facilitating seamless transition to reviews and purchasing
  • Search functionality for specific products or services across all listed Black-owned businesses
  • Social sharing capabilities for products and services, enabling community-driven business promotion

Why Users Love It

Targeted business discovery
Third-party platform integration

Perfect for: Conscious consumers seeking to support Black-owned businesses nationally

Screenshots

Blapp - Black-owned businesses screenshot 1Blapp - Black-owned businesses screenshot 2Blapp - Black-owned businesses screenshot 3Blapp - Black-owned businesses screenshot 4Blapp - Black-owned businesses screenshot 5Blapp - Black-owned businesses screenshot 6

User Reviews

Aaron White
Oct 19, 2022

Couldnt sign up because phone number verification code never sent. You shouldn't need to sign up just to look for local businesses. Major deterrent, just look at Google maps bing maps mapquest yelp etc. Nowadays people want quick accessibility with apps. I continued because I support the idea but almost deleted the app after asking to sign up. Rating 5 stars because I like the idea. Uninstalling now since I can't sign up

Abby Washuta
Dec 1, 2021

So intuitive and user friendly and I've found a lot of recs for great businesses that I light otherwise have missed.

Lionetta Terrell
Feb 11, 2022

I Love Ebro in the Morning! Heard you talking about the app and download it immediately!! Thanks for what you all are doing! Also Wonderful app!!!

Samantha Freire
Oct 1, 2021

This app is such a game changer for black owned businesses. I've always wanted to support them and now I have an easy way to do so!

Wiggle What's His Face!
Dec 30, 2022

App was working perfectly before someone has sabotaged it to the point where it cannot be used unless you create a username, add a photo and verify your cell phone. App keeps crashing once cell phone number has been verified. Please update.

App Details

Developer

Blapp App

Platform

android

Rating

3.6

Last Updated

9/7/2025