Overview
Information
Completed
"Empowering Growth"
Organized by Melanin Market
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Deadline: Dec 31, 2030 11:59 pm
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Sep 22, 2024 12:00 am - Jan 01, 2031 11:45 pm
About
The Melanin Market initiative is on a mission to empower minority-owned businesses, ignite community engagement, and provide transformative educational workshops for entrepreneurs. Small businesses are the backbone of our cities, contributing over $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and generating nearly two-thirds of net new jobs. In Duval County, however, only 3% of businesses with employees are Black-owned, totaling just 993 firms according to the 2020 Annual Business Survey. If Black-owned businesses represented 23% of employer firms—reflecting the local Black population—there would be an additional 7,939 Black-owned businesses, creating up to 171,950 job opportunities.
Our year-long program addresses this gap by hosting quarterly and monthly markets, hands-on workshops, and powerful networking events that equip business owners with the tools to thrive. Supporting local entrepreneurs not only drives economic growth but also creates jobs and strengthens community bonds. By investing in Black-owned and minority businesses, we can unlock immense economic potential and build a more vibrant, inclusive economy.
Your support is critical in sustaining this vision. By empowering Black-owned businesses, we uplift communities, generate thousands of job opportunities, and fuel long-term neighborhood revitalization. Together, we can create a future where local businesses are the cornerstone of economic empowerment and community prosperity.
What are the levels
| Custom | Any Amount |
| Keep It Up | $5.00 • Every dollar counts! Your name will be listed on our "Community Supporters" page on the website as a thank you for your contribution. |
| We Love What You Doing | $25.00 • Every dollar counts! Your name will be listed on our "Community Supporters" page on the website as a thank you for your contribution. |
| Community supporter | $50.00 • Every dollar counts! Your name will be listed on our "Community Supporters" page on the website as a thank you for your contribution. |
| Happy to Help | $100.00 • Every dollar counts! Your name will be listed on our "Community Supporters" page on the website as a thank you for your contribution. |
| Advocate | $250.00 • 2 Free Melanin Market T-Shirts • Recognition on our website as a valued supporter |
| Business Ally | $500.00 • Free Melanin Market T-Shirt • Your logo on our website as a Business Ally |
| Community Builder | $1500.00 • Free Melanin Market T-Shirt • Your logo on our website and social media shout-out as a supporter • 1 Free vending booth rental at a market of your choice |
| Market Innovator | $2500.00 • Free Melanin Market T-Shirt • Your logo on our website and social media shout-out • Banner placement at the market events • 2 Free vending booth rentals at markets of your choice |
| Neighborhood Partner | $5000.00 • Free Melanin Market T-Shirt • Your logo on our website, social media shout-outs, and banner placement • 4 Free vending booth rentals at markets of your choice • Acknowledgment as a Market Sponsor for one market event |
| Champion Of Commerce | $10000.00 • Free Melanin Market T-Shirt • Prominent placement of your logo on our website, social media, and banner at all market events • 5 Free vending booth rentals at markets of your choice • Acknowledgment as a Market Sponsor for one year at all events • Featured as a key supporter in our newsletter and event materials |
| Community Visonary | $25000.00 • All Champion of Commerce perks • Special recognition during market events • Opportunity to speak or be featured at one market event • Dedicated press release about your contribution |
| Legacy Builder | $100000.00 • All Community Visionary perks • Featured as a Title Sponsor for all markets for one year • Lifetime recognition as a Legacy Builder on our website • Exclusive invitations to private Melanin Market events and planning sessions • Special recognition during market events • Opportunity to speak or be featured at one market event • Dedicated press release about your contribution |
About the event
At the Melanin Market, we are dedicated to uplifting and empowering small minority business owners by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Through technical assistance, mini-grants, educational business workshops, and offering a platform to promote, sell, or test new products, we help entrepreneurs build sustainable futures. Our work extends far beyond business—we’re creating economic growth and opportunity in marginalized communities.
By supporting our mission, you’re not only helping minority business owners thrive but also contributing to the revitalization of The Historic Eastside. We actively engage with local kids through community activities, giving them access to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. We believe in building up the next generation while fostering entrepreneurship.
Your support can directly impact business owners and communities that have long been underserved. Together, we can:
• Provide mini-grants to small businesses
• Offer essential business training and technical assistance
• Create vibrant spaces where families can enjoy food, fun, and commerce
• Help kids experience the joy of community-driven activities
Help us continue our mission of economic empowerment and community building. Whether you’re an individual, group, or company, your support is crucial to ensuring that small minority businesses and local communities continue to flourish.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can create opportunities, nurture growth, and build a brighter future for everyone.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
