Carolyn’s Heart Inc. and Gainesville Black Professionals will host the first ever Black Business Expo to promote and celebrate the accomplishments of Black-owned businesses in the community.
There will be a panel discussion on entrepreneurship from 10 to 11 a.m., and the expo will be free and open to the public on July 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Santa Fe College (3000 NW 83rd St.).
Panelists included Joe Cirulli, owner of Gainesville Health & Fitness, Teresa Glaser, owner of LogoKick.com, Lawrence Andrews, coordinator of the Entrepreneur Incubator at Santa Fe College’s Center for Innovation and Economic Development (CIED), Karina Shirley, regional director of the Black Business Investment Fund, John Sanchez, senior vice president at Capital City Bank, and Zelia Folston, director of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Gainesville.
Networking Gala:Newly formed network hosts gala for professionals
“(The fair) was a God-given vision,” said Romona Jackson, founder of Caroline’s Heart Inc. “We wanted to bring everyone together and show off what we have, Virginia.” [Grant] He’s the perfect partner and a match made in heaven.”
More than 60 businesses, including nonprofits and for-profits, are expected to participate in the expo, said Grant, GBP founder and executive director.
“Any time we have an opportunity to showcase businesses, it’s always a blessing to our community,” said Grant, who launched GBP in March 2016. “This is the essence of empowerment.”
Grant said the expo will help equip business owners with the tools they need to be successful.
“We don’t do things like other trade shows,” Grant said. “We give business owners the tools they need to get to the next level. They’ll be there collecting phone numbers and email addresses to connect and build relationships with their customers. And because accessing capital is important as a small business owner, we’ll also have lenders at the show.”
The expo also provides business owners and attendees with the opportunity to collaborate with community members, find products and services from local vendors, and network with community leaders for advice.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created many businesses, most of which have not been successful due to lack of awareness,” Jackson said. “During the panel discussion, panelists will provide tools for business owners, from finances to branding. We want attendees to see the products of business owners and see people who started businesses with conviction. We want attendees to know that the community is supporting each other and doing what it takes to make these businesses successful.”
Carolyn’s Heart was founded by Jackson to provide financial literacy and money management skills to businesses and the community at large, Jackson said, adding that it was officially launched in memory of her late mother on Aug. 18, 2022, her birthday.
