Miami Dade County Celebrates Second Black Business Month
In a resounding display of unity and empowerment, Miami-Dade County is thrilled to unveil its eagerly anticipated second Black Business Month celebration throughout August. With a rich tapestry of culture showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit, this momentous occasion aims to honor the multi-billion-dollar contributions of Black-owned businesses to the regional economy while fostering an environment of belonging and prosperity for all. Miami-Dade County is rolling out the figurative red carpet during a launch event at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park on Thursday, August 3, at 6:00 p.m. All events are free, and registration is accessible at www.bit.ly/MDEATevents.
MDEAT Executive Director Bill Diggs announced 2022 business grants winners during launch event"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," Bill Diggs, MDEAT 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."
Under the theme "Empowering Excellence and Driving Economic Growth," this year's celebration marks a renewed commitment to supporting and uplifting the vibrant community of Black entrepreneurs and professionals across South Florida. Through legislative action, County Commissioner Kionne McGhee sponsored the resolution igniting the county's ambitious month-long celebration.
"Owning a small business can be challenging. On top of those challenges, Black business owners face a disproportionate number of systemic inequalities, including the wealth and wage gaps," said Commissioner McGhee. "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."
Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust, the Miami-Dade Black Affairs Advisory Board, and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau led a steering committee that developed the month–long programming. The final offerings included valuable contributions from 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, and the Office of Miami City Commission Chairwoman Christine King. Black Business Month is a platform to spotlight remarkable success stories, promote economic empowerment, and inform the community about County resources.
"Amidst the challenges posed by the ban on affirmative action, it is crucial that we fortify our institutions, with Black businesses serving as the cornerstone of our economy," G. Eric Knowles, president of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and member of the Miami-Dade County Black Business Month Steering Committee. "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."
According to U.S. government research, Miami-Dade County's Black-owned businesses employ over 14,103 people, manage a combined annual payroll of nearly $361 million, and generate more than $2.3 billion for our local economy. MDEAT is committed to investing in its growth and development.
"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 uplift Black-owned businesses. Their success creates greater prosperity for our entire community."
Black Business Month includes grant distributions at events and the launch of MDEAT's Business Resource & Educational $2,500 Grant Program for start-ups
Amid the celebration, stark disparities persist. Black-owned businesses contend with historic and unique challenges that create barriers to survival. According to a CNBC analysis, eight out of 10 Black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months. This reality inspired MDEAT to launch its Business Resource and Educational Grant Program to give start-up entrepreneurs a $2,500 cash infusion and access to technical assistance and resources. The program defines a start-up business as a legal entity operating for at least six months and no more than two years. The agency is accepting applications until Monday, August 14.
"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," said Robert Parson, MDEAT Economic Development Manager. "This program offers emerging entrepreneurs a community of resources and support they can leverage to scale their businesses."
