On Saturday, June 29 more than 50 local, black-owned businesses filled the Gadsden County Courthouse Square for the Black Biz Crawl & Expo.
This was the third year the Tau Theta Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority organized the event, which was hosted by County Commissioner Eric Hinson.
The Biz Crawl & Expo is the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority’s national initiative created to aid in the support and creation of black-owned businesses.
The event’s mission is to bring the community together to support locally-owned businesses.
Black-owned businesses were given the opportunity to showcase their goods and services, without having to pay a registration or vendor fee.
Representatives from varying agencies such as Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s Small Business Development Center, CareerSource Capital Region, and Apalachee Regional Council spoke on business growth and available resources for businesses in and around Gadsden County.
Commissioner Hinson said it’s important for black business owners to be aware of resources such as grants, government contracts, tutorial courses, and assistance from local governments.
“It was a great day to see people smiling, and kids getting their faces painted, and seeing people come out and support businesses and the community,” Hinson said.
The event not only attracted local businesses, but also businesses from surrounding areas.
Dolores King, a business owner from Leon County said she found out about the event on Facebook.
“It was a great event; the turnout was great,” King said. “ I appreciate the opportunity.”
King, who owns King Kreations and Royal Treats, said this was her first year participating, but she’s looking forward to participating in the event again.
Another first-timer was Quincy native Sineatra Atkins.
Atkins, who owns Cupcake Diva, brought more than 200 cupcakes to the biz crawl and had completely sold out by 2 p.m.
“It’s been very successful,” Atkins said. “I also wanted to go around and support everybody.”
Atkins said the event is a great marketing opportunity, and a way for business owners to network with other entrepreneurs.
Fourteen-year-old Morgan Bunion who owns Curry and Co. with her younger Riley also said the Biz Crawl proved to be successful for their business.
Curry and Co. sells accessories for girls such as sunglasses, purses, and jewelry.
Their mother, Andreka Curry-Bunion, said the girls had at least 20 sales during the event.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Curry-Bunion said. “I want to thank Eric Hinson for always supporting the children of Gadsden County.
Tia Thorpe, Biz Crawl & Expo chairwoman, said the Tau Theta Omega chapter has developed a strong partnership with the county and City of Quincy to put on the event.
She said 41 businesses registered in advance.
“We bring resources to help them strengthen their businesses and people who want to start a business can also get resources,” Thorpe said.
Thorpe said the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority recognizes the month of June as Black Dollar Days.
“Wear pink. Spend green. Buy black,” Thorpe added.
Thorpe said next year the Biz Crawl & Expo will be even bigger and better.
Erin Hill – Gadsden County News Service
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