Miami-Dade County is back with its highly anticipated Black Business Month celebration, an inspiring and momentous occasion spotlighting the multi billion dollar contributions of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders throughout the County. This month long celebration kicked off Thursday, August 3rd, at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Drive in Miami.
“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,” said Bill Diggs, Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) executive director and chairman of Miami-Dade County’s Black Business Month Steering Committee, in a press release. “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 access grant opportunities.”
Black Business Month is a commemorative initiative dedicated to honoring the legacy of Black business owners, who, despite historical challenges, have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, innovation and excellence across various industries. Through engaging events, workshops and networking opportunities, Miami-Dade County aims to elevate the profile of Black-owned businesses, recognize their valuable impact on the local economy, and provide a platform for theircontinued growth and success. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee was the legislative sponsor of this celebration.
“Establishing Black Business Month in Miami-Dade County is a call to action. It is a commitment from our local government and community partners to provide much-needed support and recognition to these resilient entrepreneurs,” said County Commissioner McGhee in a press release. “Our goal is to create an environment that empowers Black-owned businesses, help them overcome barriers, and propel them to higher levels of success. This month will serve as a catalyst for increased support, foster economic growth, and bolster our local economy.”
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.
“Black Business Month is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of entrepreneurship to drive economic growth and break down barriers,” said Pierre Rutledge, chairman of the Miami-Dade Black Affairs Advisory Board and steering committee member. “Let us celebrate and upliftBlack-owned businesses. Their success creates greater prosperity for our entire community.”
“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 ofCommerce, the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, the BlackProfessionals Network, the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, CareerSource South Florida, Miami-Dade County’s Small Business Development Division, and the Office of Miami CityCommission 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 in a press release.
“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.
The central focus of Black Business Month was to spotlight success stories, promote economic empowerment, and inform the community about valuable County resources.
“The Department of Transportation and Public Works is proud to support Black Business Month again, especially Miami-Dade’s many fine Black-owned companies that exemplify the best of our resilient and welcoming community. Patronizing these businesses truly benefits everyone,” said Eulois Cleckley, Director and CEO of Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works.
“We work with employers to design workforce solutions that are tailored to their specific needsand industry standards. CareerSource South Florida invested $38.3 million in the business community of Miami-Dade and Monroe County, placed 5,592 jobseekers in employment, and generated $135.7 million in salaries while providing services to 13,849 businesses,” said RickBeasley, Executive Director of CareerSource South Florida.
“The Small Business Development Division’s mission is crystal clear: Empowering every business to thrive. In celebrating Black Business Month, we reaffirm our commitment to weaving diversity into every facet of our economy,” said Gary Hartfield, director of Miami-Dade County’s SmallBusiness Development Division. “By providing unwavering technical support, breaking barriers, and leveling the playing field through unbundling contracts, we’re forging a future where all firms can compete to win contracts. Together, we’ll create an unstoppable force, propelling our community’s entrepreneurs to new heights.”
For a complete schedule of events and registration details, visit http://www.MiamiDade.gov/BlackOwnedBusiness.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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