Ep. 123 – “Make Them Drink” – How One Local Business Owner is Encouraging Others to Actively Engage Through Community Black Business Expo, Vaughn Wilson, Mega Ace Media

In a study done by the House Committee on Small Business, Black business ownership declined more than 40% within the first two months of the pandemic- the largest decrease across any ethnic group. Even before the widespread impacts of COVID-19, Black businesses faced many financial hurdles due to racial wealth disparities. Federal funding and many grant programs became available; however, the majority of businesses didn’t take advantage of these resources. This is what led Vaughn Wilson, a local small business owner, to create the vision for the Black Business Expo. Wilson has worked closely with the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) to bring this highly anticipated event to life.

On this week’s episode of the Tallahassee Business Podcast presented by MillCreek Financial Consultants, Vaughn joins us to share his own story of survival and how he’s using his platform to share local resources with fellow Black business owners. On February 25, 2023, Mega Ace Media, OEV, bankers, and business development partners will come together for the 2nd Annual Black Business Expo. Tune in to learn more about this year’s event and the $15,000 in grant funding being awarded.

Learn more about the Black Business Expo by visiting www.BBETally.com.