A directory built for Champaign County

Money spent with a local business tends to stay local. Rooted CU exists to make that easy: one place where residents, students, visitors, and organizations can find Black-owned businesses serving Champaign County and get in touch directly.

How a listing gets here

An owner—or someone they authorize—submits it. They sign the statement that applies to their kind of organization. A person reviews the submission, checks it against the listing policy, and publishes it. Nothing appears automatically.

We never decide ownership or leadership from a name or photograph, and every profile plainly states how the listing was verified.

What it costs

Basic profiles are free and will stay free. Businesses may also request a Membership profile with a larger gallery and expanded presentation. Membership, featured placement, and sponsorships never affect a listing’s ownership status or review.

What is not here yet

Reviews, owner logins, saved favourites, and events are deliberately left out for now. The first job is an accurate, current directory that is pleasant to use on a phone.

Help it grow

The directory is only as good as what is in it. Help by sharing Rooted CU with an owner or sending us a business that belongs here. Add a business.