Mission
About
Miami and South Florida are celebrated as true melting pot destinations, renowned for their vibrant cultural mosaic and world-renowned hospitality. Yet, despite this dynamic environment, African American/Black representation remains noticeably absent outside of targeted efforts during Black History Month and Juneteenth.
Our conference addresses this gap by seeking to increase the presence and success of Black-owned businesses in the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors. By focusing on key areas such as business growth and design, social media, culinary development, access to capital, mentorship programs, training and education opportunities, and effective awareness campaigns, we strive to create more equitable representation.
Recognizing the additional impact of COVID-19 on Black-owned businesses, our conference provides a platform for education, inspiration, investment opportunities, and development. We believe that integrating the emerging Black Business Ecosystem into Miami and South Florida’s hospitality and tourism landscape will lead to a more inclusive and thriving community for all.
Conference Purpose and Need
Miami and South Florida’s celebrated diversity is renowned throughout the United States as a true melting pot destination. From its vibrant cultural mosaic to its world-renowned hospitality, Miami offers a welcoming embrace to visitors from around the world. However, within this dynamic environment, African American/Black representation is noticeably absent outside of targeted efforts by organizations during Black History Month and Juneteenth.
Whether you’re drawn to the region’s stunning beaches, rich culinary scene, or dynamic arts and culture, Miami and South Florida’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem would be even more successful with organic, not forced, representation from the region’s emerging Black Business Ecosystem. This conference seeks to increase the presence of high-quality Black-owned businesses that can connect to the region’s world-renowned hospitality and tourism ecosystem through education, inspiration, investment opportunities, and development.
Moreover, many Black-owned businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector were further impacted by COVID-19, widening the gap in representation. By focusing on key areas such as business growth and design, social media, culinary development, access to capital, mentorship programs, training and education opportunities, and effective campaigns to increase awareness and support for Black-owned businesses, we can achieve more equitable representation in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Organically increasing the representation of Black-owned businesses within the hospitality and tourism ecosystems of major cities like Miami can be achieved through a combination of strategic initiatives and community engagement. Here are some approaches to consider:
1. Promote Awareness and Visibility:
- Marketing Campaigns: Launch targeted marketing campaigns to highlight Black-owned businesses. Utilize social media, local influencers, and traditional media to showcase their offerings.
- Directories and Maps: We need to create and distribute directories or maps that list quality Black-owned businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Ensure that the availability of these publications are accessible both online and in print. These directories should be created using some ranking system that is fair and identifies those Black owned businesses that are not just Black owned, but are quality Black owned.
- Events and Festivals: We need to create more economically connective opportunities for Black owned businesses during large scale events, such as food festivals, concerts, sporting events, cultural celebrations, and other major attractions.
2. Partnerships and Collaborations:
- Tourism Boards and Agencies: How do Black owned business connect with local tourism boards and agencies to ensure that they are competitive and add value to tourist who choose Miami and/or South Florida as their destination.
- Hotels and Travel Companies: Encourage hotels, travel companies, and tour operators to collaborate with Black-owned businesses for services and experiences. How can we create organic connections with Miami or South Florida based businesses.
3. Support and Resources:
- Business Development Programs: Offer business development programs, workshops, and mentorship specifically for Black entrepreneurs in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
- Funding and Grants: Provide access to funding, grants, and investment opportunities to help Black-owned businesses grow and expand.
4. Community Engagement:
- Local Networks and Associations: Strengthen local networks and associations that support Black entrepreneurs. Facilitate networking events and forums for sharing knowledge and resources.
- Consumer Education: Educate the local community and tourists about the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and the positive impact it has on the local economy.
5. Inclusive Policies:
- Equitable Procurement: Advocate for equitable procurement policies that ensure Black-owned businesses have fair opportunities to bid for and secure contracts in the hospitality and tourism industries.
- Zoning and Licensing: Work with city officials to streamline zoning and licensing processes for Black-owned businesses, making it easier for them to start and operate.
6. Leveraging Technology:
- Online Platforms: Develop and promote online platforms that connect consumers with Black-owned businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
- Social Media: Use social media to amplify the voices and stories of Black entrepreneurs, showcasing their contributions to the local culture and economy.
By implementing these strategies, cities like Miami can create a more inclusive and diverse hospitality and tourism ecosystem that reflects the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of the Black community.