Tallahassee Among Top 15 Metros Nationally for Black-Owned Businesses
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According to the 2023 Annual Business Survey (ABS) published in December 2024 by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Tallahassee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) ranks #14 nationally for the highest percentage of Black-owned businesses. The ABS, which reflects data from 2022, found approximately 7,828 employer firms in the Tallahassee MSA, of which 549 (7%) were Black or African American-owned. This figure is twice the national average, highlighting Tallahassee-Leon County’s commitment to fostering Black entrepreneurship. To support this growth, our community provides various support programs and financial opportunities to advance minority- and women-owned small businesses.
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BBET 2025: A Powerful Showcase of Success and Growth
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The 2025 Black Business Expo Tallahassee (BBET) was a resounding success, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community organizations to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses. The event, presented by the Office of Economic Vitality and Mega Ace Media, showcased the strength and resilience of Tallahassee’s Black business community through networking, collaboration, and economic empowerment.
The impact of this year’s Expo speaks for itself:
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279 attendees, a 22% increase from 2024, engaged in meaningful connections and business opportunities.
- 72 businesses were represented, highlighting the diverse range of industries thriving in Tallahassee-Leon County.
- 23 sponsor businesses demonstrated their commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurship.
- 12 agencies participated, providing resources and guidance for business growth.
- 88 vendor registrations with the City of Tallahassee and/or Leon County Procurement.
- $16,000 in grants were awarded, further fueling the success of Black-owned businesses in Tallahassee-Leon County.
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From left to right: Vaughn Wilson, X Wilson, Keith Bowers, Katrina Tuggerson, Darryl Jones
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Congrats to OEV Director Bowers!
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BBET founder Vaughn Wilson presented the Z.W. Wilson Award to OEV Director Keith Bowers and Capital City Chamber President Katrina Tuggerson. This prestigious award honors the entrepreneurial legacy of Z.W. Wilson, Vaughn's grandfather. Despite having only a third-grade education, Z.W. Wilson's entrepreneurial spirit created lasting wealth for his family—embodying the essence of Black business ownership and success.
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Tallahassee’s Women in the Workforce: Leading the Way in Labor Force Participation
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The Tallahassee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) continues to stand out as a leader in workforce engagement, particularly among women aged 25 to 64. Our data reveals that the labor force participation rate for women in this age group is consistently higher than the state average, showcasing Tallahassee as a thriving hub for professional women.
This impressive statistic highlights the region’s strong economy, educational opportunities, and commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces. With institutions like Florida
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State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College fueling a skilled talent pipeline, women in Tallahassee are empowered to pursue careers across diverse industries. Additionally, local initiatives aimed at supporting women in the workforce—such as leadership development programs, networking organizations, and small business resources—have contributed to this upward trend. The Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) continues to champion policies that enhance career pathways for women, ensuring that Tallahassee remains a top choice for female professionals.
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Support Women-Owned Businesses this Women's History Month
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This Women's History Month, show your support for women entrepreneurs by shopping at and promoting women-owned businesses. These businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen our community. Whether it’s a local boutique, a woman-led tech startup, or a minority-owned enterprise, your support helps fuel economic growth and gender equality in business.
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Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners
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Small Business Day at the Capitol
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The Florida SBDC Network is excited to host Small Business Day at the Capitol on March 26, 2025. We would love to highlight partner organizations of our network. Tabling opportunities are available.
You are invited to attend a special showcase event featuring network small business clients, stakeholders and community partners. The purpose of the event is to highlight the critical role small businesses play in Florida's economy and to provide an opportunity for business owners to share their insights and experiences while showcasing products and services to our legislative officials. The Florida SBDC Network will also provide tours of its mobile assistance center, which is deployed following disasters to provide on-site assistance to business owners.
For more information, please contact Bridget LaCoste at blacoste@uwf.edu
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| Growing Forward Employer Resource Luncheon
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The Growing Forward Employer Resource Luncheon on March 20 is your chance to hear from disaster preparedness experts about funding, workforce planning, and business recovery strategies before the next challenge arises.
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Read Past Issues of the OEV Newsletter Online!
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Delve into past issues of the OEV Newsletter to catch up on updates, insights, economic development initiatives, programs, and opportunities in Tallahassee-Leon County!
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