August is Black Business Month, a time to honor and support Black entrepreneurs who are making significant impacts in their industries and communities.

August is Black Business Month, a time to honor and support Black entrepreneurs who are making significant impacts in their industries and communities.

Co-founder of Florida-based Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey joins Breakfast with Bridgett.

A Haitian family from humble beginnings is making it their mission to be there for other families.

This August, we are wrapping up Black Business Month by showcasing the many Black-owned businesses in Central Florida.

This August, we are wrapping up Black Business Month by showcasing the many Black-owned businesses in Central Florida.

In honor of Black Business Month, News 6 spoke with entrepreneur Trenessa Williams, owner of the online bookstore Kizzy’s Books & More.

The Sock Gallery from the Oviedo Mall is moving to International Drive

In DeLand, young athletes say they could now be better set for success thanks to their basketball coach who coached them in all aspects of their life.

A Volusia County restaurant has found what you might call the “secret sauce” when it comes to running a business.

A Seminole County hair stylist is making it her mission to inspire the next generation to become entrepreneurs and better prepare for their future.

The CurlCap company made history last April as the first Black woman-owned apparel company to sell original authorized Disney merchandise.

Walk into It Suits Me, a custom apparel store in Lake Mary, and you'll know right away this is not a one-size-fits-all kind of situation.

In addition to delivering Christmas trees, the founders of Tree Drop are now expanding deliveries.

Wanting to introduce the concept of higher learning and children’s play, Brooke Hart Jones launched HBCyoU Dolls through a partnership with Purpose Toys, a Black-owned toy start-up with a mission to center and celebrate communities of color.

Alton Edmond is the founder of Edmond Law, LLC. He says he chose to open his own business because “I wanted to have the control over my own destiny.”

Going to the gym can be intimidating for some, but one Apopka veteran, a father of two, is helping people take that next step.

Tampa entrepreneur says her plus size shoe business was born out of necessity.

Ikea’s U.S. Community Foundation, in partnership with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, recently donated $75,000 to Black businesses in Orlando, according to a statement from the company.

A new cartoon is sweeping the internet and a girl is at the heart of it all.

Michelle and Anthony Canton's motto is "Life is short! Eat the Cookie!"

A bronze statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was unveiled at a Daytona Beach park.

One educator in Sanford is opening the door for children to learn in their own way and unlock their full potential.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the only R&B station in Orlando, Daytona Beach-based Star 94.5 is inviting R&B fans to a live concert featuring superstars Maxwell, Xscape and Joe.

Event officials also said local organizations will provide resources for social services offered to the community.

The Florida Highwaymen are known for turning paintings of Florida landscapes quickly and selling them from $5 to $25 in the southern region during the Jim Crow era at offices along highways in the 1950s and 60s.

Miscellaneous is a neighborhood shop located in Ivanhoe Village that started when a sister duo saw the lack of local stores selling curated gifts and products.

When she’s not running her own business, one Brevard County native is paying it forward in the community she grew up in.

Monro Pets in Orlando provides comfortable and creative pet accessories that represent Central Florida.

Preparing teens for the real world can seem like a daunting task, but one local business owner is giving them the keys to success; from balancing a budget, to creating a resume, he is turning his passion into a mission.

A retirement plan turned into a passion for Kentrail Davis when he made it his mission to bring Louisiana-style Cajun Style to Orlando.

News 6 highlights Black business owners in August.

When you work in a kitchen and the tickets are piling up, a mistake can cause a panic. For Count and Jessica Foreman, it was the start of a 23-year-long relationship.

"Lenox Ave" runs from July 22 to Aug. 13 at the Renaissance Theatre Company.

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy is focused on helping black entrepreneurs.

If you are curious about starting a business, there is a lot of support and resources out there to help you turn your idea into a reality.

It was always a dream of Michelle Davis to own her own bookstore. Davis’ husband, Nathaniel, said their whole family is full of avid readers, just like Michelle.

Wantina Dawson says as businesses across the country were shutting down during the pandemic, she wanted to bring something happy back to Sanford.

Madam C.J. Walker is considered by the Guinness Book of World Records to be the first American woman to make a million dollars from her own in business

Lashonda Geffrard says she runs the Orlando area’s first Black-owned pet grooming salon.

Rebecca Desir had her eyes set on one goal since her adolescent years: She wanted to be a teacher.

Dr. Primrose Cameron is going beyond the doors of her business in Volusia County to steer young girls on the right track.

The menu at Lizette's Cajun Bistro, which opened last week in Melbourne, has dishes to satisfy Louisianaphiles.

A Lake County family is getting results and inspiring others to dream big, while also helping people find ways to better address their feelings and their mental health.

A local organization is helping students find their voice.

Chris Louissaint owns and operates FTAC Security Solutions and Training which opened in 2019.

Foxy Fitness Studio and Pole in Orlando was created eight years ago, but for owner Temika Kindred, the fitness business started long before that in her mind.

This will be the first Black-owned nail salon inside a Walmart

When this week’s Getting Results Award winner was looking for a mentorship program for her daughter, she couldn’t find one that felt right. So she started her own.

The owner of Birchwood Coffee Co. hopes to leave a legacy for her family.

A Central Florida restaurant is thriving.

Frank Bailey began his professional career as a teacher but says he’s spent most of his life working in farming and landscaping.

Dorian Boyland is a former Major League ballplayer, the owner of top-selling car dealerships across the country and a philanthropist.

Corporal Steven Bryant’s dedication to his community leaves him with little free time, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s a time to recognize and support Black-owned businesses across the country.

The city of Orlando started its Kidz Zone service in the Parramore neighborhood with the intent of improving the well-being of the children who live in that area.

Desiree Noisette, the owner of Mermosa, is the first, Black, female vintner in Florida.

Chicken Fire serves up “soulful hot chicken.”

Two twin brothers are making a difference in their community one sock, at a time.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Former News 6 anchor Secily Wilson recently published a book about persevering and pivoting when necessary in life. Wilson’s book “She Said the ’P’ Word” focuses on not only facing challenges head on, but overcoming them. “Those are life experiences that I’ve gone through from divorce from job loss from foreclosure in my home, all of these things that we are experiencing right now, but the real word is perseverance. You’re pushing through, even through the pain, and oftentimes you don’t realize that that pain that you’re experiencing right in that moment, pushes you into your either your purpose or to your passion,” Wilson said. You can watch Wilson’s interview on News 6 at Nine in the video player at the top of this story and click here to learn more about her new book.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Sabrina Dessalines has a bright and vibrant passion for creating art -- and sometimes she sells it. Dessalines sold her first piece when she was 12 years old and ever since then, she’s called herself an artist. “We wanted to commemorate someone doing great for the community to bring hope,” Dessalines said. It inspired her to create two empowering pieces of a young boy and a young girl with crowns. “I love it though.”People can check out Dessalines’ work online at artbyina3.com or peruse her Instagram @artbyina3.

From coffee mugs to stationary, sisters Dede and Landrea Cowart said they wanted to start a business that fills a void in the Central Florida retail market. Miscellaneous is located on North Orange Ave. in Orlando (Dede and Landrea Cowart)She said growing up, they watched their mom grow her business, RW Events, which inspired them to start their own. Tamuel Cowart, who owns RW Events, said it has been a joy to watch her daughters create their own business. Dede and Landrea Cowart have always been close and opening up a business together has been a dream of theirs. We’re big on gifting as a family, so in a way, we’re giving Central Florida a bit of us,” Dede Cowart said.

The owner of UNKY bags has found his in his business. UNKY donates supplies to kids in CameroonThere are a hundred and forty million orphans worldwide. While it was very important to get an institutional education, whats more important to Simo is giving back. His company sells handmade bags which are made in Cameroon, Africa and its foundation provides a backpack, filled with school supplies to orphans in the country. UNKY gives back 10% of all revenue made to help give supplies and even food to less fortunate children in the country.

It's like Uber for your Christmas tree, but better. Jerry and Courtney Jasmin started Tree Drop back in 2017 after Courtney had a rough time finding a real tree of her own. At the end of the year if you need the tree hauled away Tree Drop will come to get rid of it for you. The Jasmins say they take their old trees to Free Canes For Veterans which is run by a man that turns old Christmas trees into free custom canes for veterans. So, whether it’s a 5-foot tree or a 15-footer, Tree Drop said it is ready to help you get the holiday started.

DeLAND, Fla. Employees at one Volusia County business are helping people through one of the hardest parts of their lives while making a difference in the community. Staff members at Unity Funeral Home in DeLand are helping people navigate the new way of saying goodbye to their loved ones in the age of COVID-19. Its a tough time for everybody right now, licensed funeral director Angela Dallas-Johnson said. She buried her father, grandfather and so many others, she said, thanks to the family-operated business, and she appreciates how theyre helping so many other families during these tough times. This time we're highlighting a funeral home's journey navigating loss during a pandemic, and its message of generosity that's keeping the community alive.

MELBOURNE, Fla. Two Melbourne businesswomen are putting smiles on seniors faces while trying to make a difference in their community. Luan Blinkerd and Tajma Simmons own SarahCare Melbourne, a daytime senior care facility. Blinkerd and Simmons own a SarahCare franchise which specializes in giving seniors daily activities, companionship, medical support, and entertainment. Their passion for caregiving shows as they put smiles on their participants faces every single day. SarahCare Melbourne will be hosting a food pantry in October to feed anyone who is in need of a fresh meal.

LEESBURG, Fla. A couple from Lake County is using their business to mentor men in their community with special needs. Jalaneia and Terence Guions run a family group home in Leesburg called Guions Behavioral Services. Sometimes people look at them and judge them right off the back, said Terence Guions. It really melts my heart when I see them smile, just because they learned a new task, said Jalaneia Guions. You can read more about the nonprofit and ways to donate here and read more about the group home here.

Darryl J., Owner of Darryl J. Weddings (Darryl J.) In the meantime, Darryl J. has made it his mission to uplift others during this tough time through free shows live on Instagram and Facebook. I kept receiving phone calls and emails from brides that wanted me to capture their special day, Darryl J. said. Darryl J. says his goal is to give couples that nightclub feel at their wedding (Darryl J.)

OCOEE, Fla. Even before they can legally drive, 13-year-old Semaj Washington and 15-year-old Syhion Washington are already business owners, and now, published authors. When our dad passed away in 2013, we were looking for a way to help out our mom with bills and stuff, Syhion Washington said. You dont really see many young black men starting their own clothing line and putting as much dedication into ours, getting a whole patent and going through the whole legal process, Syhion Washington said. You dont see many people doing that.Anything that you put your mind to you can do it, Semaj Washington added. You can shop online at S2T2 Sports Apparel and purchase a copy of Dear Adults, We Have Issues Too! by clicking here.

Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)Published: August 12, 2020, 10:19 am Updated: August 12, 2020, 10:28 amPublished: August 12, 2020, 10:19 am Updated: August 12, 2020, 10:28 amIf you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.

Im a strong believer that you are in control of your future, said Gaines. "I was really blessed to help a lot of black business owners here in Seminole county obtain funding for their business so they can stay open," said Gaines. Most recently, Gaines was given the all clear to open a group home in Sanford to help foster kids who are aging out of the system. To read more about Gaines nonprofit and her consulting business visit https://www.facebook.com/savingourdaughtersorlandoYou can also email her at savingourdaughters407@gmail.com. August is National Black Business Month and every week News 6 is spotlighting black-owned businesses rooted here in Central Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. – When you think of the Orlando region, you think of places like the University of Central Florida and Lake Eola. Chantal Roaché is the author behind the book. Books and writing became her escape, but she said she still felt like she didn’t fit in growing up. Having these experiences helped me view thoughts and emotions on a grander scale with the ability to translate this into my writing,” Roaché said. Now she’s using her book to showcase the melting pot seen in Central Florida and what the community has to offer young adults.

Coleen Otero said her first experience in the business world started at the age of 12 when she was styling hair for women twice her age. As part of her individualized business development strategy, Otero helps women do everything from securing funding to setting and achieving business goals. Otero's team of business professionals helps clients get these kinds of results through one-on-one coaching, weekly group coaching sessions, an annual event, and a CEO retreat. CEO Chick also provides grants. To learn more about CEO Chick go to CeoChicksOnline.com.

Becoming successful for many business owner means overcoming your past. The first business owner in our "Rooted in Central Florida" series knows all about overcoming obstacles. He's the owner of Dirt Master, a commercial and residential cleaning company. Marquis McKenzie, 29, is the owner of Dirt Master, a commercial and residential cleaning company. If you’d like to learn more about McKenzie’s non-profit or his cleaning business, you can visit www.TheDirtMasters.com or call 407-406-9640.

Business owners, employees and the communities they serve are all feeling the impact. And this isnt the first major blow for black business owners. And when black business owners are approved for loans, they often are approved for less, according to the Minority Business Development Agency. That's where National Black Business Month comes in. At News 6, we will work to get results by highlighting some of the black-owned businesses in Central Florida and the impact they are making in the community.

ORLANDO, Fla. Uber Eats is offering a way for people to support Black-owned businesses across Central Florida. Uber Eats recently launched an in-app promotion waiving the delivery fee for all registered Black-owned independent restaurants in select cities across the country, including many options in Central Florida. The promotion is focused to make it easy for Uber Eats to support Black-owned restaurants in their communities. Groups of employees across Uber, including members and allies of the Black @ Uber employee leadership group, worked together to generate the lists of Black-owned independent restaurants. Uber Eats customers can enjoy free delivery from restaurants who opt-in to the promotion for the rest of 2020.

Several Central Florida minority-owned restaurants are sharing how they are keeping some of the worlds most famous athletes well-fed. Chef Shawn Loving is the general manager of the Executive Chef Kitchen onsite in Orlando. Participating NBA team culinary staff work within the Executive Chef Kitchen and provide supplementary meals for players and teams, the NBA said. News 6 reached out to the NBA for a list of the minority-owned businesses. Participating NBA team culinary staff work within the Executive Chef Kitchen and provide supplementary meals for players and teams, according to the NBA.

He said a popular group called The Ink Spots took him under their wing and let him play drums for them occasionally. In 1969, his music group released a song. They didnt give him money but set him up with the opportunity to play drums on B.B. King was sitting on the sofa and he was waiting on me and I was like woah," Covington said. Covington said he played the drums for B.B.

More affordable housing has opened in the area and the Orlando City soccer stadium is drawing in new restaurants and shops. Crosier said he also wants to preserve the rich history of the area and encourage other people in the area to open small businesses. “I just hope everybody can last longer enough to see the full effect of the changes,” Crosier said. “We are trying to make sure we maintain the small businesses that are in Parramore,” Hill said. To read more about business incentives and services offered by the city of Orlando to assist small businesses, click here.

He was so young he could barely process it, but said he was old enough to realize something was missing. While playing organized sports as a child, he remembers seeing other kids’ parents hug them after his youth football games. Not from the victories you’ve claimed, but from the hard work you’ve endured to claim your victories. While networking and discovering his love for giving back, Wiggins started Atlas Speed Training LLC, a speed and agility training company that trains between 450 and 510 athletes a year. Full Screen 1 / 4 Wiggins is the CEO of Atlas Speed Training LLC.

For a local mom, her sons skin condition launched her into a whole different industry making her a girl boss in the organic soap world. Together they became part of the global natural soap industry. Things that you would normally use to be healthy like eating olive oil or coconut oil, Natasha said. According to MarketResearch.com, more and more people in the U.S are turning to this alternative for everything from soap, body scrubs and bath bombs to other natural body products. People are realizing that your skin is extremely important and not only what you put inside of your body is important but what you put on your skin is important, the entrepreneur said.