Events

Central Florida’s Black Chamber Making History By Assisting Black Businesses

ORLANDO – The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (“the Chamber”) is a membership organization serving public, private, and not-for-profit African American-owned 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 African American companies, an engaged public awareness for minority firms, and education and advocacy for both members and the Central Florida community.

Our mission is to be the principal advocate and preeminent leader in fostering economic success for African American owned businesses and the African American business community in Central Florida.

We currently have over 700 amazing members with diverse backgrounds in varying fields ( from the technology industry, construction, medical and legal fields, to food and beverage to name a few….our members are rockstars in their areas of business).

As a Chamber we stand on the four pillars of Advocacy, Access to Capital, Contracts and Education and Training Development.

In the year 2020 , during the time of the pandemic and great uncertainty, we were one of the only Chambers of Commerce to award over $100,000 in grant money to minority owned businesses and continued to award grants in 2021.

In 2022, in partnership with IKEA U.S. Community Foundation we awarded $75,000 in grant funds to business owners. These funders were dispersed in two ways.  The first disbursement was in the amount of $20,000 awarded to participants of the AACCCF Inaugural Pitch Competition at the 3rd Annual Empowerment Business Conference. Three business owners had the opportunity to pitch their businesses in front of corporations, community stakeholders, financial institutions and other business owners.  The first prize winner was awarded $10,000, second prize was awarded $7,000 and third prize was awarded $3,000.

The second disbursement of this grant took place with eleven black-owned businesses applying for and receiving the B.E.A.C.O.N (Black Entrepreneurs Are Creating Opportunities Now) Business Development Grant. Combining the mission of AACCCF to be the principal advocate and preeminent leader in fostering economic success for African American-owned businesses and the African American business community in Central Florida and the IKEA vision to create a better everyday life for the many people, the “Black Entrepreneurs Are Creating Opportunities Now” (BEACON) business development grant has been created.   The BEACON business development grant aims to provide funding for Black-owned businesses that are committed to creating employment opportunities and contributing to the social and economic growth of the Central Florida community.   BEACON grant funds can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, employee retention, expanding facilities and other specific business needs.

The winners of the award were announced at our 2022 Holiday Business After Hours event at the University Club. Each business received $5000 in grant funding, for a total of $55,000 awarded.

Additionally, our annual Golf Outing and Player Development Clinic allowed us to award a total of $10,000 in grant money to two business owners/Chamber members who were impacted by the 2022 hurricanes.

This year, in partnership with BeyGOOD (Beyonce’ Knowles non-profit organization), and with Adidas, $500,000 will be awarded to minority owned businesses who were impacted by the hurricanes last year.

Additionally, we launched our first accelerator program for established business owners:  Accelerate Central Florida.  This program was sponsored by our Trustee Wells Fargo, and used the award winning curriculum StreetWise MBA powered by Interise.  Historically after completing the StreetWise MBA, business experience double digit growth rates, create jobs faster than the private sector, with higher average salaries and better benefits. Our first inaugural cohort will graduate on March and our first cohort of businesses will graduate on March 23, 2023.

Furthermore, we created opportunities for our members, corporations and financial institutions to meet, learn, and do business at CEO Roundtables, Supplier and Diversity Roundtables, networking events, golf outings and during our 3rd annual Empowerment Business Conference.

Similar to last year, we will continue to advocate for black-owned businesses at Black Chamber Day at the Capital next month (March) in Tallahassee.

We area also excited to announce our 19th annual Eagle Awards Gala will take place on May 20, 2023 at Disney Resort’s Coronado Springs Resort. This signature event celebrates Black excellence and recognizes businesses that have made a positive impact on the Central Florida community.

Membership to the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida has its benefits. Our members have access to networking events, grant opportunities, ribbon cuttings, monthly newsletters, opportunities to be highlighted on our social media platforms and so much more.  We also have two successful LEADs Groups in the Chamber.  New Member Orientation is held virtually the first Tuesday of every month and in-person, the last Tuesday of each month.

Information regarding our membership levels and upcoming events and workshops can be found on our website: www.blackcommerce.org, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

by Tanisha Gary

Top Takeaways from the 2022 Eagle Awards

The Eagle Awards Gala is the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida's (AACCCF) crowning celebration for Central Florida’s most dynamic growing businesses and entrepreneurs. The evening also serves as a time to recognize and honor the large corporations positively impacting our community and driving the growth and development of our vibrant and diverse business landscape. This year the event took place on April 2, 2022. We've compiled top takeaways and announcements to take note of!

1.) After yet another challenging year through the pandemic, members of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida have persevered and will continue to grow.

"...our members have powered through the
pandemic with notable accomplishments.." - Tanisha Nunn Gary, AACCCF President & CEO

2.) The Chamber has been a resource to small businesses in Central Florida, especially in these last few years of uncertainty, and will continue to be a resource in the future as well. New partnerships, training opportunities, and grants are in development.

"During the last two years, we have awarded 16 businesses with grants.
We will continue with our grant-giving by launching round 3 of our
grants later this year in partnership with IKEA." - Tanisha Nunn Gary, AACCCF President & CEO

"As we continue to provide entrepreneur training and development, in collaboration with Wells Fargo, this year we will launch our inaugural business cohort powered by Interise 'Streetwise MBA.'" - Tanisha Nunn Gary, AACCCF President & CEO

3.) The Eagle Awards Title Sponsor, Walt Disney World Resort, had some exciting updates of their own. Eagle Awards Co-Chair Leticia Adams announced that their newest attraction Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is scheduled to open this summer!

Read More 2022 Eagle Awards Articles:  View Full Recap | List of Award Winners | Red Carpet Fashion Review | Social Media Gallery 

by Tanisha Gary

2022 Eagle Awards Red Carpet Fashion Recap

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and Walt Disney World Resort proudly presented the 2022 Eagle Awards on April 2, 2022. The event recognized individuals, small businesses, and corporations that have made a positive impact on the Central Florida community.

The Red Carpet set the scene for the entire event with live interviews from Florida National News, photographers, and content creators bustling about. This year as we returned to an in-person format, we also returned to the "Soar Into Africa" theme from 2020. Consider it Soar Into Africa Part 2.

Attendees rose to the occasion to reflect bold patterns, bright colors, and ensembles fit for royalty. A true display of #BlackExcellence, the red carpet fashion reflected both traditional and modern styles. Check out the top 3 trends below:

1.) Soar Into Africa

2.) Jewel Tones

3.) Classic Hollywood

Read More 2022 Eagle Awards Articles:  View Full Recap | List of Award Winners | Social Media Gallery | Top Takeaways

by Tanisha Gary

2022 Eagle Awards Winners

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF) and Walt Disney World Resort proudly presented the 2022 Eagle Awards Gala on April 2, 2022 at Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort to recognize small businesses that have made a positive impact on the Central Florida community.

This annual event is AACCCF’s crowning celebration for Central Florida’s most dynamic businesses and individuals and serves as a time to honor those members who drive the growth and development of our vibrant and diverse business landscape.

We are so pleased to announce the winners for each category:

Corporate Recognition Award Winner: Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo has demonstrated through voluntary actions, a commitment to equitable access to education, resources, and a commitment to sustainable social impact within local underserved communities. 

MLK Humanitarian of the Year: Reverend Dr. Robert Spooney

Reverend Dr. Robert Spooney has demonstrated an unselfish commitment to helping others and has gone above and beyond in serving his local community such as Chairman of the Parramore Community Engagement Council, past Chairman of the OCPS Academy of Academic Excellence Council, and past President of our African American Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Jones High School and Florida A&M University, he is an inspiration to future generations and a beacon to our local community.

Small Business Advocate of the Year: City of Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill of District 5

Commissioner Regina Hill has helped businesses gain long-term contracts and obtain more exposure to corporate and government entities. She has been a long-time supporter for the residents of District 5 and the City of Orlando. Her commitment to the advancement and creation of community-enriching projects, policies, and proactive solutions have not gone without notice.

The Emerging Business of the Year Award: Deuce

The Emerging Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that has been in operation for one to three fiscal years and has demonstrated substantial growth. The selection committee evaluates the company’s overall business performance year to year, what the entrepreneur believes makes them unique, and their vision for the future of the business. Duece was a standout in this category.

The Enterprise Business of the Year: RTW Photography 

The Enterprise Business of the Year is awarded to a Black-owned business that has been in business for several years and has demonstrated an excellent strategy for business growth. The company must also display an effective management style and have a viable organizational structure. RTW Photography was a standout in this category.

The Eagle Award: Matthews Automotive Group

Matthews Automotive group was the winner of the 2022 Eagle Award. The Eagle Award, the most coveted award, is presented to the company that demonstrates the highest level of excellence in all facets of business. It is designed to recognize and award the African American-owned enterprise that has been in business for more than a decade and has made notable contributions to economic development, industry innovation, and community impact. 

Read More 2022 Eagle Awards Articles:  View Full Recap | List of Award Winners | Red Carpet Fashion Review | Social Media Gallery | Top Takeaways

by Tanisha Gary