BUSINESS
MINORITY BUSINESSES
TO WATCH
Workshops provide Treasure Coast owners with tools to succeed
BY CHAUNCELOR HOWELL
Americans often start their own businesses to circumvent obstacles
related to lack of education or experience needed to succeed
in the formal economy.
Most minority-owned businesses operate under the premise of
owner/operator and struggle to gain access to capital that will help
sustain the business over a long period of time.
Historically, in comparison to other racial groups, Black and minority
business owners possess fewer personal assets such as home ownership
or stocks/bonds to generate startup capital for their businesses.
Scores of studies have shown that this deficiency results in less training,
sharing fewer resources, important industry related information,
and less human capital transfer over generations, according to the
2019 article Struggles and Strategies of Black Women Business Owners
by T.M. Jackson and P. Sanyal in the Journal of Business Anthropology.
To help mitigate this circumstance on the Treasure Coast, the
DR. BELINDA McNEAL-WALKER
GARDEN OF HOPE LEARNING CENTER
GOHLEARNINGACADEMY.COM
The mission of Garden of Hope is to transform
lives by providing hope and aspiration, support
underserved communities and under-represented
populations, and to promote academic excellence
through quality resources and wraparound
services that address the individualized needs of the whole child and
family members.
What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
The most challenging part of doing business every day is not having
sufficient resources to meet the needs of the community.
Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College
offers free resources available to minority business owners and
entrepreneurs to help overcome most of these obstacles.
The SBDC routinely hosts workshops that cover such topics as business
startups, QuickBooks, digital marketing consulting, international
trade strategies and access to capital. If used properly, assistance
from the SBDC can potentially better position minority owned businesses
for long-term success and sustainability.
Another bonus for minority business owners is SBDC’s partnership
with Indian River State College, which has satellite campuses
throughout the Treasure Coast that host these workshops.
To learn more about how to start or grow an existing business,
please visit the FloridaSBDC.org; email the Florida SBDC at FSBDC@
IRSC.edu; or call IRSC at 772.336.6285.
Chauncelor Howell is president of the Treasure Coast Black Chamber
of Commerce.
How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
The essential element to achieve and maintain a healthy worklife
balance is my personal relationship with the Lord. My spiritual
relationship not only helps me maintain a balance, but it consistently
reminds me of who I am. Therefore, success moves from just a component
of hope or a simple desire to an expectation.
What led you to own your own business?
My desire to open my own business derived from my passion for
teaching and serving. I believe that all children can and will learn. I
also understand that in order to build capacity within the community
we must embrace the family structure. My expectation is to meet the
needs of the community and the people we serve by providing intensive
wraparound supportive services to address the complex needs
of the family. There is greatness in Fort Pierce.
What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want
to give a shout-out to?
Eric Walker Patio Furniture Repair Service. I am so proud of you.
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MARIA CHAMBERS
CNC JAMAICAN AND SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT
To provide the best food possible, that surpassed
our customers expectation. Moreover,
the restaurant creates superior customer service
every time.
What is the most challenging part of doing
business every day?
Keeping the door open on a daily basis.
How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Faith in getting out doing what has to be done, regardless of
what’s happening around you. Love what you do and you try and
make it happen.
What led you to own your own business?
The love of doing what I do, having been in the industry with more
than 40 years experience.
What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want
to give a shout-out to?
CNC Jamaican Restaurant
AL JOHNSON
JACKSON HEWITT TAX SERVICE
OFFICE.JACKSONHEWITT.COM
Jackson Hewitt provides year-round support to
hardworking clients with innovative, low-cost tax
solutions.
What is the most challenging part of doing business
every day?
Prepared 4,000-plus tax returns this season. This was accomplished
via relationship building.
How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Goal setting and time management.
What led you to own your own business?
Motivated by my father.
What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want
to give a shout-out to?
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
/GOHLEARNINGACADEMY.COM
/FloridaSBDC.org
/IRSC.edu
/TCBusiness.com
/OFFICE.JACKSONHEWITT.COM
