Highlights from the 2024 Black Business Expo
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For its third consecutive year, the Black Business Expo once again proved to be a standout event, showcasing the vibrancy and resilience of Tallahassee's Black business network. From forging new connections to fostering growth and opportunity, see our highlights below from this high-impact day at #BBET2024:
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Building Relationships in Construction: OEV-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) seized the opportunity to connect with local prime contractors such as Ram Construction, Ajax, and others. With total City, County, and Blueprint projects exceeding $100 million, these connections pave the way for meaningful collaborations and economic growth in our community.
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EXPOnential Growth: The BBET's network of trailblazers, industry leaders, and ambitious up-and-comers has experienced remarkable growth, nearly tripling since its inception in 2022. This expansion reflects the collective dedication and resilience of Black entrepreneurs in Tallahassee.
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Granting New Opportunities: This year's grant winners received $15,000 in cash and cash-value prizes—providing them a valuable boost in bridging the Black business gap and realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations. These grants represent a commitment to fostering equitable access to resources and opportunities for all community members.
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Congratulations to our MWSBE Senior Coordinators!
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LaTanya Raffington (L) and Vaughn Wilson (R). Shanae Wilks was unable to attend.
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BBET proudly presented the Z.W. Wilson Award to OEV MWSBE Senior Coordinators LaTanya Raffington and Shanae Wilks! This prestigious award honors the entrepreneurial legacy of Z.W. Wilson, grandfather of BBET founder Vaughn Wilson. 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. In 2023, Darryl Jones, OEV Deputy Director of MWSBE, was the inaugural winner.
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OEV is proud to have partnered with Mega Ace Media in hosting BBET, and we are excited to continue supporting the growth and success of Tallahassee's Black business community. As we reflect on the achievements of #BBET2024, we look forward to the continued collaboration, innovation, and prosperity that lie ahead for #TallahasseeBlackBusiness.
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OEV Joins Florida SBDC Day at the Capitol
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OEV team members had a wonderful time at Florida SBDC Day at the Capitol this week. Hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC), this event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss the critical role of small businesses in driving economic growth and prosperity.
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At OEV, we remain committed to empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources, tools, and support they need to thrive. By collaborating with organizations like the Florida SBDC, we can amplify our impact and create a more vibrant and resilient economy for all. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Florida SBDC and other partners to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster innovation in our community!
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Register for the 2024 Leon Works Expo!
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The ninth annual Leon Works Expo returns Friday, April 12, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. The Leon Works Expo exposes high school students to skilled careers in health, trade, business, information technology, creative, and more.
This is a great opportunity to inform the hundreds of students in the Big Bend Region and our future workforce on what your business has to offer.
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Join us for the Total Internship Management workshop in Tallahassee on Tuesday, March 19th! Immerse yourself in a day-long, comprehensive experience led by Christine Barkley from Intern Bridge, the nation’s foremost internship research and consulting firm. Tailored for organizations aspiring to strengthen their internship initiatives, this HRCI and SHRM-accredited workshop fosters a collaborative learning environment that encourages open discussions and the exchange of both triumphs and setbacks among peers. Participants will leave with a profound understanding of industry-leading practices and practical strategies to elevate their internship programs. Explore the workshop’s agenda and secure your spot by registering today!
Details:
Total Internship Management workshop
Tuesday, March 19th
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
CareerSource Capital Region
Who Should Attend: Any HR professional working with internships (including Talent Acquisition Professionals, Learning and Development Professionals, Recruiters, Internship Experience Leaders, Program Coordinators and Managers, etc.)
Accreditation: HRCI and SHRM for 6 continuing education credits
Cost: $199/participant from a for-profit organization and $99/participant from a non-profit organization or government agency
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TaMaryn Waters
Tallahassee Democrat
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Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners
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Growing Forward Business Resource Luncheon at CareerSource Capital Region
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Are you looking to grow your business, upskill your staff, or develop strategies to prevent potential layoffs? If so, CareerSource Capital Region is hosting a Growing Forward Business Resource event on March 20th that may benefit you! This exclusive event will provide key grant training opportunities, such as On-the-Job Training (OJT), Incumbent Worker Training (IWT), Insight into the application processes for a Certified Minority Woman Small Business Enterprise certificate, and information on the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship Cohort Class (JMI).
To be considered for an invitation, please fill out the application form, and a CareerSource Capital Region staff member will contact you soon.
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For those who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the training grants, a CareerSource Capital Region team member will follow up with a phone call to discuss other beneficial resources CareerSource Capital Region or our partners could provide to them.
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First Fridays Stop at The Station
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Join Domi Station, COCA, and Visit Tallahassee on Friday, March 1, for the First Friday Stop at the Station! Enjoy an evening of live music, shopping, and refreshments!
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First Friday Stop at The Station
Friday, March 1
5:00 – 7:00 pm
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Join The Capital City Chamber of Commerce for an early morning networking and coffee while having an active and engaging conversation about our local business operations each first Tuesday of the month.
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Coffee & Commerce
Tuesday, March 05,
7:45 – 9:00 am
Vino Beano
1309 Thomasville Road
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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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The Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is the economic development organization for the City of Tallahassee and Leon County. Our economic development model values diversity, equity, and economic inclusion. We assist businesses with navigating & competing in today’s marketplace while leveraging existing resources to maximize the infusion of capital into our community. For more information, visit OEVforBusiness.org
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