The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida ("the Chamber") is a membership organization serving public, private, and not-for-profit African American-owned businesses and organizations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.
The African American Chamber of Commerce is the driving force and the preeminent resource in fostering economic success for Black and minority-owned businesses in Central Florida.
We will be the principal advocate and preeminent leader in fostering economic success for African-American owned businesses and the African-American business community in Central Florida.
Key Initiatives and Programs
The African American Chamber offers educational, mentoring, and networking opportunities providing our members with the tools needed for business development, growth, and success.
One of the biggest advantages of being affiliated with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is the camaraderie.
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Mentoring and Business Classes
The African-American chamber of commerce of central florida mentored XXX members by offering various networking events and business classes.
Business classes include courses on marketing and sales, business ownership, and components of a successful business.
Networking Events and Lead Groups
They go to networking events sponsored by the Chamber.
They share leads to empower fellow members through leads groups sponsored by the Chamber.
People always tell you that your network is your net worth, and so when you join the chamber, you become part of a vast community of people who are specialists in their trades. We want to see our Black leaders and our Black business owners succeed, so that they can get back to not only their families, but the community at large.
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How to navigate networking events and leave a lasting impression
Celebrating Achievements and Recognizing Excellence
Best of AACCCF Awards
Best of AACCCF is a people-powered program where the community votes to recognize Black-owned businesses, organizations, and professionals across Central Florida.
Voting is open for the Best of AACCCF through August 14 at 5:00 PM, so feel free to come back and vote daily!
The official photos just dropped from our Empowerment Business Month Culminating Reception, which featured the inaugural Best of AACCCF Awards presented by Truist, and we are still feeling all the emotions from such an incredible night! Congratulations again to all our winners.
Thank you to everyone who nominated, voted (over 16K votes!), and showed up big to celebrate Black business excellence.
Annual Eagle Awards Gala
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida invites the community to its 21st Annual Eagle Awards Gala on Friday, Feb. 28.
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Spotlight on Member Success
For Rod Thompson, chief executive officer of FastSigns North-Orlando, the process of making a sign is an art. “Everyone needs a sign, no matter what you're doing in business," he said.
Thompson started in the printing industry in 2010, working alongside his father, Rodney Sr. “He was like, 'Hey, you know what's the next step in business? What's the next level?' And I just mentioned I think I want to go the franchise route, you know,” Thompson said.
They acquired the FastSigns franchise in North-Orlando, followed by a second location in Brandon. Since that moment, he felt a responsibility to keep going.
“I think it's about 12 or 13 are only Black-owned," he said. "So, that kind of leads to the sort of runway. But we just work a little harder. And in signs, you don't see colors … no race, religion, creed, sexual orientation. We don't even care about it.
Samuel Barrington has been doing business with Thompson for about five years. “The thing about FastSigns," Barrington said. "The thing about Rod as an owner - they're solution-based people, so you know anything that I have from a marketing standpoint, I’ll come to Rod and say, 'Hey, where can I get this done?
“Casually talking, he said, 'Hey, Rod, I’m about to buy a building. I'm going to put my whole inventory in here. I want the best sign I could possibly get'," Thompson said. "Stop. No worries.
Partnerships and Initiatives
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program is designed to provide entrepreneurs with free tools, training, and guidance to strengthen their online presence and digital skills.
By enrolling in Digital Ready, you gain access to expert-led courses, virtual events, and resources tailored to help your business thrive in the digital economy.
As part of this initiative, Verizon is awarding $10,000 grants to 50 small businesses. To be eligible, enroll in Digital Ready for free, complete two courses or events, and submit your grant application by December 10, 2025.
Orange County Government MWBE Program Update
Update from Orange County Government regarding MWBE program. As of July 1, 2025, our Minority/Women Business Enterprise program has been suspended. As we work to develop the details of the SBE Program, your input is essential.
Additional Programs
- Culinary experience that brings together food, culture, and music!
- Sound healing experience
