African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Awards $100,000 in Grants to Local Small Businesses
May 17, 2020 - ORLANDO, FLORIDA - After receiving $100,000 from a generous donor, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF) announced the opportunity for chamber members to apply to receive a grant to assist with sustaining operations during the coronavirus pandemic.
President Tanisha Nunn Gary made the announcement on April 29, 2020 during a “Coffee & Conversation” virtual meeting with members.
“We want to support our black businesses, as many as possible, here in Central Florida...”
- Tanisha Nunn Gary, AACCCF President
After reviewing nearly 50 applications, a committee narrowed down the applicant pool to just 12 finalists. Recipients will receive funding from $2,500 all the way up to $20,000 to help keep their business afloat during these difficult times. President Gary personally called each recipient to notify them of their grant.
“This changes…everything”
- Ashley Caldwell of Empowerment Chiropractic, Grant Recipient
The Chamber is excited to officially announce the AACCCF COVID-19 Small Business Grant recipients:
- ProRestore Services, Jeremiah Ofori
- Empowerment Chiropractic, Ashley Caldwell
- Teen Paradise, Carolyn Gales
- Graham Leak Branding (GLB), Latria Graham Leak
- Hair In Motion of New York, Lesline Powe-Barton
- RTW Photography, Derrious Robinson
- Sacred Heart Coach Lines, Marie and Joseph Leveque
- Anderson & Associates, Veronica Anderson
- Credit Repair of Florida, Timothy Sanders
- Hold My Luggage, Constance Serrano
- Go Go Party Bus, Javonne Williams
- L5 Entertainment, Larry McRae
To learn more, please visit the AACCCF website: www.blackcommerce.org
Follow @AACCCFL on Instagram and like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date on events and opportunities.
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ABOUT AACCCF:
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (“the Chamber”) is a membership organization serving public, private, and not-for-profit businesses and organizations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. For over seven decades, the Chamber has served its members as an advocate and resource. Established in 1945, the Chamber is a members-only network devoted to cultivating a thriving business environment for small businesses including advocacy, an engaged public awareness for minority firms, and education for both members and the Central Florida community.
The Chamber’s vision is to serve as the leading advocate in the Central Florida area for Black-owned companies in Business Development, Wealth Creation, and Economic Empowerment.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: info@blackcommerce.org
Business Spotlight: AlphaGraphics
If you don't know AlphaGraphics but have been to AACCCF events, you probably know their work. From store signs to business cards, vehicle wraps to flyers (and everything in between), AlphaGraphics has a range of services available. Don't take our word for it. We reached out to owner Josh Field to allow him to explain all the ins and outs.
What is your primary product or service?
We are a full-service, locally owned and operated, visual communications, branding and marketing company. With our expertise and experience, we help build your business, grow your market share, and increase your brand visibility.
We specialize in:
- Graphic Design & Marketing Services
- Printing
- Signs
- Wall, Window & Vehicle Graphics
- Mailing Services
- Apparel & Promotional Products
What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?
We love doing business in Central Florida because of its continuous growth and diversity of companies and industries. Over the past few years, we have seen growth in many sectors including technology, healthcare, construction, and childcare, just to name a few.
Who is your target market/audience?
While we offer customized marketing solutions to individuals and companies of all sizes, our target partners are small-to-midsize companies.
In your opinion, what makes Central Florida's business community special?
Central Florida’s business community is special because is it collaborative, diverse, and growing. The potential for business growth is tremendous.
What is the most exciting thing you see happening in your industry?
Our industry is shifting from commodity-like products to value-added services, customer experiences, and long-term partnerships. We’ve recently added new equipment and technology solutions in order to be more responsive, efficient, and innovative in solving our customers’ communication challenges.
What is the biggest benefit to joining the AACCCF?
We have been an AACCCF member for nearly a decade. The benefits have been numerous, but the most beneficial have been (1) engaging with businesses in different industries, providing services to assist them with their business growth, (2) keeping abreast of region-specific business development opportunities to help our team strategize ways to grow.
Contact Josh and his team to see what they can do for you by visiting www.ilovealphagraphics.com.
Business Spotlight: Kizzy's Books & More
Trenessa Williams is a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and the proud owner of Kizzy’s Books & More - an online independant bookstore bringing Black literature to the hands of Central Floridians. Her mission is to provide a place for lovers of African-American literature and other creative expressions with a welcoming ambiance and customer service!
TW: Central Florida is full of diversity, from Hispanic and Latino cultures to African Americans to Caribbean backgrounds, there are so many different cultures that bring multiple forms of art, and literature to the business landscape.
Because of this diversity, there is high demand for minority focused businesses like mine. This demand makes Central Florida a really beneficial location for me, and I'd say that's really special.
Who is your target market/audience?
TW: We consider our core audience to be those that love to read African American Literature, I'd say ages 20-49. This includes the Gen Z population, Millennials, and the end of the Gen X generation.
There are a lot of great books out there within African-American Literature that appeal to each of these generations, and at Kizzy's Books & More we carry a large variety of each.
What is the most exciting thing you see happening in your industry?
TW: It has been extremely exciting to see an increase in the customer base for African-American literature. A lot of independent minority owned bookstores are opening up and it's beautiful to see. For a while we were actually seeing a decrease in demand, but interest is on the rise! More of us are opening stores across the country because there is a need for places for us to buy and discuss our literature.
People are looking for unique and creative stories to meet their needs. People are craving diversity and again, I'll reiterate that they are specifically coming to Central Florida for that diversity!
TW: I actually followed The Chamber for a while and always wanted to join because I could so clearly see the positive impact that they have on the community supporting black business owners. Since joining I've greatly benefited from the events. Being able to go to workshops and network with professionals and businesses that can really help me to grow has been amazing.
What books are you currently reading?
TW: So many, but I actually just finished "Broken Promises" by S.K. Lessly and an audio book called "Slay" by Brittney Morris.
At this moment, I'm on the lookout for my next read.
To keep up with Kizzy's Books & More be sure to follow them on Facebook and sign up for their Newsletter on their website.
The Newsletter spotlights a curated list of fiction and nonfiction books for both adults and kids!
2020 Eagle Awards Finalists Announced!
Following the annual State of The Chamber address on October 18, 2019, the finalists for the upcoming 2020 Eagle Awards finalists were revealed.
The Eagle Awards are the AACCCF’s crowning celebration for Central Florida’s most dynamic small businesses and entrepreneurs, while also serving as a time to recognize and honor the corporations positively impacting our community by driving the growth and development of our vibrant and diverse business landscape.
Finalists were announced for 7 of the 8 categories:
Emerging Business of the Year Award Category:
The 2020 Finalists are: Finalists: Osborne & Francis, Label Hoarder, and Palma Project
Business Enterprise of the Year Award Category:
The 2020 Finalists are: Hair in Motion of New York, RTW Photography, and Hold My Luggage
Small Business Advocate Award Category:
The 2020 Finalists are: Orange County Public Schools and Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Corporate Recognition of the Year Award Category:
The 2020 Finalists are: BB&T, Wells Fargo, OUC, and Duke Energy
Outstanding Community Achievement Award:
The 2020 Finalists are: Goldsboro West Side Historical Association, Wayne Densch Charities, and Elevate Orlando.
Outstanding Individual Community Achievement Award
The 2020 Finalists are: Nadine Mentor, Laine Powell, and Pastor Roderick Zak
The Eagle Award:
The 2020 Finalists are: PSA Management, Compak Company, and Ardmore Roderick
Join us January 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, for The Eagle Awards!
Tickets are on sale now and sponsorship opportunities are available! Click here for event details.