For more than 80 years, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida has served as a powerful advocate and resource hub for Black entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses across the region. Through advocacy, access to capital, contracting support, and entrepreneur development, the Chamber drives economic empowerment while building community, celebrating excellence, and creating pathways for long-term business growth.
Powering Success
Interview With Tanisha Nunn Gary President & CEO of The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Central Florida has a long history of Black entrepreneurship. How is that legacy influencing the economic and cultural direction of Orlando today?
That legacy is foundational. Black entrepreneurs have been shaping Orlando’s economy long before the city became the global destination it is today. What we are seeing now is a renewed visibility and confidence rooted in that history. Legacy businesses laid the groundwork by proving sustainability, ownership and resilience, and today’s entrepreneurs are building on that by scaling, innovating and expanding into new sectors. This continuity has created a culture of ownership and collaboration that is influencing how Orlando grows economically and culturally by ensuring growth includes businesses that are deeply rooted in the community and committed to long-term impact…