The largest not-for-profit business directory in the Tampa Bay area
KEY FACTS
- Economic Development is a critical component in the successful development of individuals, families and communities.
- In 1999, the founder of the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, James M. Evans, established the first African American Listing business directory; over 20,000 copies were distributed throughout the Tampa Bay area over a four- year period.
- In 2004, James Evans called upon local individuals, agencies, groups and organizations to forge a new partnership – addressing the need for economic development within the African-American community of Tampa Bay.
- The Tampa Bay African American Business Directory (TBAABD) provides a vehicle to benefit the business community by promoting business registration and encouraging economic re-investment in African American businesses in Hillsborough County, while raising funds for the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, an organization that focuses on strengthening youth development in the area’s distressed communities.
- One of the goals of TBAABD is to identify the number of operating African American-owned businesses that exists within Hillsborough County.
- A listing in the Tampa Bay African American Business Directory is limited to companies that are at least 51% African American owned and operated. The listing will be provided at no charge (Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available).
- The launch date of the directory will be October 2005.
- Eligible businesses can register on our website: www.tampabayblackbusiness.com
STATISTICAL FACTS
- The African-American Community (nationwide) represents approximately $723 billion in purchasing power annually.
- African-Americans make up more than 12% of the United States population and 15% of the population in Hillsborough county; Nationally, African American-owned businesses account for 3.6% of all businesses while in Hillsborough County African-American businesses comprise 2.8% of all businesses; yet they account for less than 1% of total sales and receipts.
- 100,000 directories will be published and distributed to the households of African American registered voters in Hillsborough County and will be available to the general public, organizations, churches and governmental agencies.