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, 2026 11:45 pm
About
The Melanin Market initiative is dedicated to empowering minority-owned businesses, sparking community engagement, and providing impactful educational workshops for entrepreneurs. It's important to recognize that small businesses are the lifeblood of our cities, contributing over $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and generating nearly two-thirds of net new jobs. Shockingly, in Duval County, only 3% of businesses with employees are Black-owned, totaling just 993 firms according to the 2020 Annual Business Survey. It's time for change. If Black-owned businesses represented 23% of employer firms, aligning with the local Black population, there would be an additional 7,939 Black-owned businesses, creating up to 171,950 job opportunities. It's clear that action needs to be taken to address this disparity.
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
Empowering Economic Change through Minority-Owned Businesses:
At The Melanin Collaborative Group, we are dedicated to empowering Black and minority-owned businesses, fostering community engagement, and providing impactful resources for entrepreneurs. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, generating over $1.5 trillion annually and creating nearly two-thirds of new jobs. Yet, in Duval County, Black-owned businesses represent just 3% of employer firms, a staggering disparity that holds back our community’s growth.
Through our Melanin Market initiative, we aim to close this gap. By hosting quarterly and monthly markets, hands-on workshops, and dynamic networking events, we equip Black entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed and thrive. Our programs help build economic resilience, create jobs, and strengthen local neighborhoods—fueling the long-term revitalization of our community.
Your support is vital in making this vision a reality. By investing in Black-owned businesses, we unlock the potential for 7,939 new businesses and up to 171,950 job opportunities—creating a more vibrant, inclusive economy. Together, we can empower communities, uplift entrepreneurs, and drive lasting economic change.
