Bill Diggs addresses the audience during last year’s Black Business Month launch. Photo credit AJ Shorter
*Miami-Dade County is abuzz with excitement as it unveils its eagerly anticipated second Black Business Month celebration throughout August. A deliberate showcasing of the entrepreneurial spirit, this momentous occasion honors the multi-billion-dollar contributions of Black-owned businesses to the regional economy while fostering an environment of belonging and prosperity for all. The launch event takes place at the picturesque Historic Virginia Key Beach Park on Thursday, August 3, at 6:00 p.m. The best part? All events are free, and registration is accessible at www.bit.ly/MDEATevents.
“We need the community to help us make an undeniable statement that the growth and prosperity of Miami-Dade County is correlated to the growth and prosperity of the County’s Black business community,” emphasized Bill Diggs, the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust executive director. “Our collective future is in our hands and begins with our dollars. Help us celebrate and elevate one of the County’s most under-utilized resources. This event is your invitation to connect with County resources, build relationships, and apply for grants.”
This year’s effort signifies a renewed commitment to supporting and uplifting the vibrant community of Black entrepreneurs and professionals across South Florida. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee sponsored the resolution urging the county to celebrate Black Business Month.
McGhee recognized the challenges small business owners face, especially Black entrepreneurs, who contend with systematic inequalities and wealth gaps.
“Black Business Month promotes greater economic freedom for these business owners while simultaneously highlighting their businesses. Together, we can connect Black entrepreneurs to resources, funding, and programming that builds up our communities,” Commissioner McGhee stated passionately.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee kicks out last year’s Black Business Month launch event. Photo Credit: AJ Shorter
A collaborative effort led by the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust, the Miami-Dade Black Affairs Advisory Board, and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau resulted in a diverse and exciting programming lineup throughout the month.
“The travel and hospitality industry can only continue to truly have equitable growth in Miami-Dade County if those in the Black business community are afforded viable opportunities,” said David Whitaker, president, and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and steering committee member. “We must engage with each other as partners and as facilitators of opportunities to support Black-owned businesses 365 days a year. Black Business Month can be used to reassess key relationships, evaluate resources and needs and enter into meaningful conversations to leverage the talents and drive of our entrepreneurs.”
Various organizations, including the City of Miami Beach, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Black Professionals Network, the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, CareerSource South Florida, Miami-Dade County’s Small Business Development Division, and the Office of Miami City Commission Chairwoman Christine King, contributed to the month’s offerings.
“Black Professionals Network proudly supports Black Business Month. Each member plays a part in creating a thriving business ecosystem supported by our ownership, talent, investment, and buying power,” said Kenasha Paul, president and CEO of Black Professionals Network.
The central focus of Black Business Month was to spotlight remarkable success stories, promote economic empowerment, and inform the community about valuable County resources.
“As we embrace Black Business Month, we seize the opportunity to empower and uplift these enterprises, recognizing their pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering inclusive prosperity,” remarked G. Eric Knowles, president of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce.
Undeniably, the impact of Black-owned businesses on Miami-Dade County’s economy was profound. According to U.S. government research, these businesses employed over 14,103 people, managing a combined annual payroll of nearly $361 million, and generating more than $2.3 billion for the local economy. It is evident that investing in the growth and development of Black-owned businesses is essential for the county’s prosperity.
“Black Business Month is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of entrepreneurship to drive economic growth and break down barriers,” declared Pierre Rutledge, chairman of the Miami-Dade Black Affairs Advisory Board. “Let us celebrate and uplift Black-owned businesses. Their success creates greater prosperity for our entire community.”
However, amid the celebration, the reality of stark disparities persisted. Historical and unique challenges created barriers to survival for Black-owned businesses. According to a CNBC analysis, eight out of 10 Black-owned businesses failed within the first 18 months, shedding light on the need for support and resources. In response, MDEAT launched its Business Resource and Educational Grant Program, offering start-up entrepreneurs a $2,500 cash infusion and access to technical assistance and resources. The program was open to legal entities operating for at least six months and no more than two years, with applications being accepted until Monday, August 14.
Scene from Miami-Dade County’s Black Business Month 2022 launch event. Credit: AJ Shorter Photography
“There are not many programs that invest in start-up businesses. MDEAT and its Economic Development Action Committee created this grant opportunity to respond to the disparate challenges Black-owned businesses face as they try to access capital and other resources,” explained Robert Parson, MDEAT Economic Development Manager. “This program offers emerging entrepreneurs a community of resources and support they can leverage to scale their businesses.”
The organizers stand united and determined to make Black Business Month a celebration of achievements and a launchpad for even greater success and prosperity in the years to come.
For more information, log on to www.MiamiDade.gov/BlackOwnedBusiness
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