The Importance of Central Florida 2020 Local Elections
In a time where nearly all Americans are seeking some form of change, whether it be healthcare reform, financial planning, and even legislation, sometimes the greater changes lie within ourselves. This change, more so, this solution, requires voting, especially at the local level.
Voting Power Matters
Some locals are unaware of the true power their one vote holds. Others are convinced their vote only matters at the presidential level. In actuality, you have greater voting power at the local level when compared to federal.
Simply put, your vote can influence local policies that directly affect you and your surrounding community including:
- Business growth & development
- School funding
- Local taxes
- Healthcare
- Public transportation
- Public safety
Leaders placed in an authoritative, city, county, or state position work to establish legislation that governs the area you call home. But these leaders cannot be leaders unless they are voted in by the public -- which is why your vote is so important.
To put it into perspective, think about the recent Black Lives Matter movement. Protesters are not exclusively calling on our president for change. Instead, they are mostly calling out local leaders -- the police chief, county judges, mayor, and even the governor for change. This is because these local offices can make the community based changes that we all want to see.
In 2020 we have our fair share of obstacles. Getting to the polls may be difficult during a pandemic and to this day, many communities still experience voter suppression. In spite of these challenges, voting is an important piece of the puzzle to enact real change in our communities.
Making the decision...Who to vote for.
Not sure who to vote for? AACCCF was a proud sponsor and co-host for the Orange County Candidate Forum, a series of Facebook Live discussions between candidates running for a variety of offices. View the recordings:
- 9th Judicial Circuit Court State Attorney Online Forum
- Orange County Sheriff Forum
- Community Conversation with the Orange County, FL Supervisor of Elections official Bill Cowels
For more information about voter registration, requirements, or polling places, please visit https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home.
REGISTRATION CLOSES ON JULY 20TH.
Central Florida Black Owned Restaurants
We partnered with AACCCF Member Russell Drake to highlight black owned eateries in Central Florida! Russell has been connecting with black owned businesses since the start of COVID-19 and has curated the list below as a tool for our community to rally around these small businesses to ensure their survival during this time.
Now, with the fight for racial equality in the forefront of conversation, we are continuing to build on this list as resource to the community. Looking for ways to support black owned businesses? Grabbing a bite to eat at one of these establishments is a start.
District 534 Scratch Kitchen
P&D Soul Food Kitchen
Jesses Rib Shack
Nikki’s Place
Oley’s Kitchen & Smokehouse
Orlando Famous Pete’s BBQ
Seafood Station (Pine Hills)
Stonington’s Fried Shrimp (Metrowest)
Vitality Bowls (Dr Phillips)
Big Lou’s Single Wings Express
Island Thyme Caribbean Island Restaurant (Avalon Park)
Streetwise Urban Food (Near Airport)
Brick & Spoon Maitland
Mad Crab Seafood & Wings
Soulfood Fantasy Eatonville
Bezerk Nutrition
Something Fishy Seafood
T & T Nutrition
Wingz Wingzz Wingzzz
Seana’s Caribbean Soul Food
1000 Degree Pizza & Wings
Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ Altamonte
Stonington’s Fried Shrimp Altamonte
Angel’s Soul Food and BBQ
Roni's Restaurant
Shantell’s Just Until
About Russell Drake
Russell is a member of AACCCF, Motivational Speaker, Civic Strategist, Network Building Extraordinaire...just to name a few descriptors.
He has made it his mission to be plugged into the Central Florida Small Business community especially during this COVID-19 outbreak, when businesses need everyone's support the most. Russell researched and curated the list above with love and determination for the community. To connect with Russell visit his website.
Visiting Black Owned Businesses Around Orlando With Russell Drake
As an AACCCF Member, Senior Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin, and Vice President of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida, Russell Drake has been really busy lately. He's proving that coronavirus can't keep us down, as he visits multiple black owned small businesses in Central Florida. You may recall his curated list of Black Owned Restaurants that we shared on #407 Day, a day designated by the city of Orlando to support small businesses with takeout orders and delivery orders. Now he's back with over 80 days worth of small business highlights!
Explore all of his posts to see who is open for business and exactly how you can support them during these challenging times.
We've dropped some of his most recent highlights below:
Najah Hines Design (Yes, she is Chamber Staff as well!)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_dxaQZJ3fH/
Rib Runners
Seafood Bandits
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Y8Wz-p8gn/
We Care Dental Center
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_WVRjCpVCB/
SMILE Ice Cream Company
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6H-Rupdz6/
Edmond Law
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-cQfZ5JeTB/
Stay Tuned! Follow Russell on Instagram and Facebook to view all past highlights and never miss a beat on his upcoming features.
Don't Procrastinate Filing Your 2019 Business Taxes
It's Tax Day...but not really. Tax Day was moved along with many other aspects of our lives in the wake of the current COVID-19 outbreak. We understand that this is already a stressful time for small business owners, but we must urge you not to make it any more stressful and take action now to get ahead of your taxes if you haven't already done so. You may have had to shut your doors, you may be in a touch place trying to crunch numbers to keep staff on the payroll, but don't let your taxes become one more thing that keeps you up at night. We have three tips to help.
1.) With the current state of our national workforce, most of you are probably reading this from your home office or couch, so let's start with an obvious one. Deduct your home office. With the current circumstances, we have a feeling more people will be able to do this for 2020 taxes than ever before, but for those of you who already worked from home in 2019 you can do this right now!
2.) Don't wait until the new deadline. Today, April 15, 2020 was the original Tax Day, but it was moved in light of the nationwide shutdown. Just because the government has extended the due date until July 15th, doesn't mean you should wait that long. Earlier is always better to beat the rush, especially if you are expecting a refund. Getting in early was always standard practice, and now it is even more important. With stimulus checks being released, there may be an influx in people reaching out to the IRS. A lot of things are changing, businesses are adjusting, and you may need more time to crunch numbers. All understandable, but promise yourself that you will do whatever you can today, and the next day and the next...and not wait until July.
3.) When in doubt, ask for help. Whether you use an online program like TurboTax and H&R Block, or if you have a CPA that prepares your taxes in person, don't be afraid to ask questions to ensure:
- You know exactly what you are turning in to the IRS
- You are accounting for the deductions that you qualify for
- You feel comfortable with the process
Just a reminder, that the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is here as resource for small businesses especially during these challenging times. Please feel free to contact our staff via email at info@blackcommerce.org.
Member on the Move: SmithBlends
Mondays are for Members on the Move! This week, we are highlighting SmithBlends, a healthy tea company right here in Central Florida. SmithBlends was born last year by a Registered Nurse, Michelle Smith, her daughter, Shola Smith, a Branding and Marketing Executive.
The Smith Family drew inspiration from their Caribbean heritage and Matriach, Clarice “Winnie” Smith, known for mixing tea blends for her daily immunity boosting regimen.
"Not only do we want communities to take control of their health and wellness, but we also want to share The Smith Family’s tea tradition with the world."
What is your primary product or service?
We make high quality loose leaf tea and natural iced teas. Our operations are based out of Florida. We make our teas with no preservatives and no fillers. SmithBlends is a great natural alternative for coffee lovers. In addition, our teas are corporate America’s leading "Immune Booster Tea".
"Every tree was designed to heal and every leaf was created for medicine.”
Do currently have any promotions?
Yes! The connection with the Chamber has been a HUGE benefit to us! We set up a 15% off discount Promo Code for AACCCFmembers. Promo Code: "AACCCF"
#407Day Black Owned Restaurants
Orange County and Visit Orlando have designated today, Tuesday, April 7, 2020 as “#407 Day” for residents to show support for local restaurants and their employees.
We partnered with AACCCF Member Russell Drake to highlight black owned eateries in Central Florida! Russell has been connecting with black owned businesses since the start of COVID-19 and has curated the list below as a tool for our community to rally around these small businesses to ensure their survival during this time. Order deliver, buy gift cards, leave a generous tip...we're all in this together!
Don't forget: Residents are encouraged to order takeout/delivery from local restaurants. Be sure to use #407Day and #OrlandoToGo to show off your delicious meals today.
District 534 Scratch Kitchen
P&D Soul Food Kitchen
Jesses Rib Shack
Nikki’s Place
Oley’s Kitchen & Smokehouse
Orlando Famous Pete’s BBQ
Seafood Station (Pine Hills)
Stonington’s Fried Shrimp (Metrowest)
Vitality Bowls (Dr Phillips)
Big Lou’s Single Wings Express
Island Thyme Caribbean Island Restaurant (Avalon Park)
Streetwise Urban Food (Near Airport)
Brick & Spoon Maitland
Mad Crab Seafood & Wings
Soulfood Fantasy Eatonville
Bezerk Nutrition
Something Fishy Seafood
T & T Nutrition
Wingz Wingzz Wingzzz
Seana’s Caribbean Soul Food
1000 Degree Pizza & Wings
Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ Altamonte
Stonington’s Fried Shrimp Altamonte
Angel’s Soul Food and BBQ
Roni's Restaurant
Shantell’s Just Until
About Russell Drake
Russell is a member of AACCCF, Motivational Speaker, Civic Strategist, Network Building Extraordinaire...just to name a few descriptors.
He has made it his mission to be plugged into the Central Florida Small Business community especially during this COVID-19 outbreak, when businesses need everyone's support the most. Russell researched and curated the list above with love and determination for the community. To connect with Russell visit his website.
Member on the Move: Vitality Bowls
It's time to spotlight another business! This week, we connected with business owners Harold and Jackie Gattereau. Vitality Bowls is a Superfood Cafe with fresh to order Bowls and smoothies originating from California. This powerful duo has brought not one, but two locations of Vitality Bowls to Central Florida. The Gattereaus have made an impact in Central Florida's Healthy Food scene and we just had to get details on how their venture into entrepreneurship began!
What is your primary product or service?
Vitality Bowls was created out of a strong commitment to bring health and wellness to every community across the country through fresh, high-quality superfoods. Vitality Bowls specializes in making delicious açaí bowls, which are a thick blend of the açaí berry topped with organic granola and a selection of superfood ingredients. Additional antioxidant-rich menu items include smoothies, fresh juices, soups, salads and panini. All items on the menu are made fresh to order and in a kitchen designed to avoid cross contamination of common food allergens. No ingredient fillers such as ice, frozen yogurt or artificial preservatives are used, giving the purest taste possible to each item.
What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?
Central Florida is a special place to do business because it’s our home of 10+ years combined with growth, weather, attractions and a diverse population. We are the first to franchise the brand in Central Florida.
Who is your target market/audience?
Everyone that enjoys healthy tasty food.
In your opinion, what makes Central Florida's business community special?
Growth, weather, attractions and diverse population. We are the first to franchise the brand in Central Florida.
Has COVID-19 impacted your business?
Business decreases significantly daily. To better serve our customers, we have transitioned to togo, curbside pickup and delivery only with reduced hours.
How can people still support you during this time?
- Ordering online or via the Vitality Bowls App. Purchasing Gift cards for friends and family.
- Vitality Bowls Orlando First Responders and Healthcare Professionals Support:
- Friends please help us support our local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals.
Here’s how it works:
- For every kids smoothie purchased for our local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals, we’ll match it and deliver two smoothies
- Purchase our gift cards for local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals and we will deliver with free smoothies
- Purchase healthy tasty meals for our local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals and we will deliver daily
You can select the group of First Responders and Healthcare Professionals of your choice or we will select for you.
Our goal is to support 50 local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals daily!
Current hours of operations:
Monday - Sunday 10am to 6pm daily at Ocoee
Monday - Saturday 9am to 6pm daily at Dr. Phillips Sunday 10am - 6pm
What made you decide to purchase a franchise and how did you choose Vitality Bowls?
We love the idea of not recreating the wheel. Vitality Bowls is an established brand with a network of nationwide franchisees and a proven business model. After researching several business opportunities, Vitality Bowls embraced our lifestyle and our passion with the healthy tasty menu, clean look and feel of the cafe, and transparent kitchen layout.
You have built a business as a couple. What have been some challenges and/or victories in building a business with family?
We successfully launched our first location in Dr Phillips May 2018 and after a year and a half of operations, we recently launched our second location in Ocoee. Our greatest challenge was understanding the daily operations of the business to grow a successful brand with longevity and then restart in a new market with our second location. Our greatest challenge continues to be brand recognition and educating our consumers on our healthy tasty menu options. Our greatest victory is partnering as a couple utilizing our strengths, business acumen, and effective communication skills to bridge the gap or erase the stigma associated with healthy eating.
This month is Financial Literacy Month. With owning your own business, do you intend to leave generational wealth and a legacy for other family members?
Absolutely! To provide our family with options to help build a successful future in business ownership.
What is the biggest benefit to joining the AACCCF?
Connecting and interfacing with our community. AACCCF provides the platform for us to service our community and network with fellow business communities.
With COVID-19 social distancing and Stay at Home orders still in affect, there are still many ways to support local businesses. Order a health breakfast of fresh, fruit filled açaí bowls for the whole family this week or bring home paninis for lunch! Check out their website to view the full menu!
Falling in love with your business.
Happy Valentine's Day! Are you in love...with your business?
Whether you're a new to the idea of entreprenuership or a seasoned small business owner, running a business can be just as emotionally draining (if not more) as maintaining a relationship with a person! Your business is all of your hopes and dreams, your hard work and your finances all in one bundle. Your business is sometimes the light of your life while at other times your greatest source of stress.
This Valentine's Day we challenge you to stay in (or fall back into) love with your business in 3 easy steps.
1.) Keep the relationship business fresh.
Don't get caught in a rut to the point that you lose passion for what you are doing. Always ask yourself questions like "Why did I originally start this business?" and "What got me the most excited when it was still an idea in my mind?" If your business no longer fulfills the answers to those questions...it may be time to switch things up.
2.) Compromise.
You should never compromise your vision, but there may be situations that don't go according to plan. Some days you'll have to roll with the punches and do what's best for the business and it may not be your first choice as a course of action.
3.) Don't feel guilty if you need a break.
Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder. Whether it's taking a long and electronic free lunch at your favorite restaurant, or going on a 2 week vacation. Burning out is never the answer. Sometimes stepping away from a stressful business decision or situation can be beneficial.
5 Ways to Make Entrepreneurship Less Scary
Starting Your Own Business Can Be Terrifying, But With The Right Steps You Can Do It!
It’s Halloween today. Earlier this week I made the trip to the grocery store to stock up on candy, ensuring that all of the goblins and monsters that show up at my door, won’t walk away disappointed. Combing each aisle, I passed dozens of the costumes, fake blood, and all things “scary”. It got me thinking about what truly terrifies me. Funny enough, I have to say that one of the scariest times of my life has to be when I decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.
Starting your own business can be scary for a variety of reasons:
- Fear of the unknown
- Financial responsibilities
- Outside social pressure to succeed
The key to overcoming these obstacles is to be strategic in your approach. I’ve outlined 5 things to keep in mind:
1.) Start with a plan.
Every business needs a plan. A formalized business plan is a great way to ensure that you are thinking through every detail of the immediate needs as well as long term considerations.
2.) Get Organized.
Keep your conversations and finances well documented.
Plan out your days and create to-do lists based off of your goals.
3.) Know who you are.
By “you” I’m referring to your brand. Who is the brand? Who is the audience?
Not only will this help you make decisions, but it will also help you explain your vision to others. When you can communicate a clear vision, people are more likely to buy into the idea and support it.
4.) Seek help.
While it has been done, it isn’t always wise to go into business as a party of one... relying solely on your own finances, availability, and energy. Ask yourself: “Are there people that may be a resource to me? Could I form a partnership?”
Look into grants, investors, and loans for funding. Depleting your own bank account not only comes with a lot of risks, but also places restraints on how much you can invest up front. Depending on the type of business that you are creating, you may have a lot of upfront costs for expenses like equipment, marketing or merchandise.
5.) Take care of yourself.
No business gets built overnight. You’ll face stress and pressures from a million different directions, and from from sources that you cannot control. The one thing you can control is your internal state of being. Stay calm and don’t overwork yourself to the point of exhaustion.