More Black-owned businesses are finding a home inside Kings Plaza mall, thanks to a special leasing program that helps smaller businesses open and grow.

"We have seven Black-owned businesses at Kings Plaza, I think that’s a record number for us, and we’re very proud," said Dawn Simon, senior marketing manager at Kings Plaza Mall.

The businesses include a cupcake shop, a makeup beauty bar, several clothing stores and an accounting firm.

"We give local business owners to come into the mall, test out the market, try different spaces without committing themselves to a long-term lease," said Matt Bragin, the mall's specialty leasing manager.