About 100 small business owners and individuals turned out for BBIF Florida Community Kick-Off financial literacy training program, on Friday.
Formally known as the Dollars & Sense Financial Literacy Training Program, President of BBIF Florida, Inez Long, said the program was developed out of a partnership with banks and other financial institutions that wish to bring services to underserved communities, under the right conditions.
Long said, minority communities are challenged in terms of low-income, credit scores and other indicators and are unable to access capital and take advantage of other services offered by financial institutions.
“The goal of the Dollars and Sense Financial Literacy Training Program is to develop these local micro-businesses to become stronger, more viable businesses to enable them to create and sustain jobs,” she said.
BBIF plans to target specific communities in Orange County for the delivery of the Dollars and Sense Financial Literacy Training Program. Â These are: Washington Shores, Carver Shores, Richmond Heights, Pine Hills, East Winter Garden and South Apopka. Orange County will serve as the initial pilot market and there are plans to expand to Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami.
The initial premier outreach event will take place on Tuesday, March 25 at the SunTrust Bank located at 900 E. Semoran Boulevard and the focus will be on: To Your Credit: FDIC Money Smart.
Today’s event also included a photo montage in honor of Black History Month, during which a tribute was paid to historical Black leaders.
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said, it was a reminder of the sacrifices that so many had made in paving the way to get to this point.
“…Shame on each and every one of us if we don’t carry through on that legacy and fight for equality,” Jacobs said. “Not equality of voting rights, but equality of salary, equality of opportunity, equality of education, equality of jobs, equality of quality of life, equality of hope and aspirations of our youths.”
According to Jacobs, there are lots of opportunities but, “it takes an entire community to unite behind the goal of giving our children and our youth an opportunity and a vision of an opportunity of what they can do.” Â Believing that opportunities exist and having the appropriate skills set, were keys to success, she said.
Participants at today’s Community Kick-off received presentations from other partners, including BB&T Bank, SunTrust Bank, City of Orlando and FDIC. On-site services, including tax preparation, free credit reports and financial literacy training workshops were also provided to attendees.
