News Summary
The Fourth Annual Black Business Expo is set for February 22 in Tallahassee, supporting minority-owned businesses with valuable grants and networking opportunities. Attendees can connect with over 100 organizations and resources to help navigate business challenges, particularly around capital access. The expo will award $15,000 in grants, continuing the initiative’s mission to bolster local economies and empower entrepreneurs in the community.
Fourth Annual Black Business Expo Set to Empower Minority-Owned Businesses in Tallahassee
Tallahassee is gearing up for the Fourth Annual Black Business Expo, an exciting event designed to support and uplift minority entrepreneurs. Scheduled for February 22, this engaging expo will take place at The Moon, located at 1105 E. Lafayette St. The doors will open at noon, welcoming local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with open arms and valuable opportunities.
A Festive Atmosphere with Serious Benefits
With a mission to bolster the local economy, this year’s expo promises to make a significant impact. A whopping $15,000 in grants will be awarded to small businesses during the event. Since its inception, the expo has already provided a generous total of $50,000 in grants to businesses, helping them grow and thrive.
The event is coordinated by Mega Ace Media, and it is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality and several local organizations, including the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, Capital City Chamber of Commerce, and the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. This strong support network sets the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas, opportunities, and partnerships among local business leaders.
Connecting Business Owners with Key Resources
The expo isn’t just about granting money; it’s designed to foster connections. Attendees will have the chance to interact with over 100 organizations, agencies, and financial institutions, including VyStar Credit Union and FAMU Credit Union. This networking will enable Black business owners to forge relationships with local organizations, banks, and agencies essential for their growth.
Last year’s event shined a spotlight on the challenges of securing capital for Black-owned businesses. In response, organizers have crafted a focused approach to encourage attendees to engage with financial institutions directly. Registered attendees are required to have conversations with these institutions to qualify for the available grants. This hands-on approach helps demystify the lending process for many aspiring and established entrepreneurs.
Tackling the Capital Challenge
The 2024 expo is especially timely, as it aims to provide resources that address the ongoing issue of capital access affecting Black-owned businesses. With several large public projects underway, the local government is striving for an inclusive approach, aiming to ensure that 14% of contracts go to minority-owned businesses and 9% to women-owned enterprises.
From Struggle to Success: The Expo’s Inspiration
The inspiration behind this event stems partly from the personal experiences of its founder, who previously faced challenges while navigating business ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts to provide local businesses with resources that were vital to his success have driven the vision behind the expo.
By attending this event, participants can tap into a wealth of resources designed to help them meet their business goals. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your existing enterprise, the Fourth Annual Black Business Expo offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical support.
Register and Join the Movement
If you’re interested in participating, registration is required and can be conveniently handled online. This proactive step ensures a well-organized experience for all attendees.
So mark your calendars and spread the word! The Fourth Annual Black Business Expo is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of resilience and community, aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and transforming the Tallahassee business landscape.
Join the movement on February 22 and be part of something great!
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Black Business Expo Takes Place This Weekend
- Wikipedia: Minority-owned business
- Tallahassee.com: Black Business Expo Brings Resources
- Google Search: Black Business Expo
- The Famuan: Black Business Expo Coming to The Moon
- Google Scholar: Black business expos
- Tallahassee.com: Black Business Expo Shines Light on Resources
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Expo
- St. Pete Catalyst: Expo to Showcase Black St. Petersburg Economy
- Google News: Black Business Expo Tallahassee
