Central Florida is always looking for the next generation that can spark the flame to create businesses and lead the community into the future.
As Black History Month begins, the African American Chamber of Commerce and Florida Technical College are joining forces to create the Business Opportunity Scholarship. This full-tuition scholarship is offered to a Black leader in the community who aspires to have his or her own business.
For more information about the scholarship and requirements, visit www.ftccollege.edu/aacccfscholarship/.
The News-Gazette recently spoke with African American Chamber of Commerce President Tanisha Nunn-Gary.
ONG: Why did the African American Chamber of Commerce and Florida Technical College decide to team up and create this scholarship together?
Nunn-Gary: Dr. James Burkett, and his team at Florida Technical College, have been a trusted and valued esteemed member of our chamber for three-and-a-half years now. They believe in diversity, equity, inclusion and inclusivity in supporting Black businesses, as well as communities that have been underserved. With that, we supported each other and connected through different collaborations.
This actually is the second scholarship that Florida Technical College has rewarded to one of our members in partnership with the African American Chamber of Commerce in Central Florida. We awarded one in February 2021 and I’m proud to say that the recipient finished with a perfect GPA and is doing extremely well.
Our missions and visions align. We believe in education, entrepreneurship, training and development. It was the perfect marriage for the two of us to collaborate on this business opportunity scholarship.
ONG: What does offering this scholarship mean to you, personally?
Nunn-Gary: On a personal note, I believe that education is the true economic stabilizer. If anyone, I believe, is given an opportunity to receive a proper, and a good, foundation with education, the sky is the limit. Anything is possible. From preschool and on, even in the womb, I believe in education, reading, traveling and experiencing cultures. I believe in the formal education system where you’re part of the classroom, whether it’s online or in person.
On a personal note, I value that Florida Technical College also sees the importance of education and serving as an equal stabilizer in communities of color. With that, it seems like the perfect opportunity, that I fundamentally believe in, and if we’re able to help someone to receive an opportunity to further their education and to hone in on their business skills, or if they already have a business, then I am all for it.
ONG: What do you have to say to all the applicants who are applying for the scholarship?
Nunn-Gary: Put your best foot forward. Sell yourself like you would do anytime you’re applying for something. I wish you all the best. I know that we can only choose one person who will be blessed with this amazing opportunity, not only for the scholarship, but for a new laptop, as well as a free pass for our business conference, which will be held in August during Black Business Month, and a membership to the Chamber if they aren’t already a member.
I would also say to those who may apply, but not be chosen, keep seeking opportunities for growth and development. There are a lot of opportunities through Chambers of Commerce, such as our Chamber. If you are a member, you can attend workshops; if you’re not, you can attend workshops and network at a small fee.
There are also a lot of free resources through incubators, through workshops that are held through different counties at the government level, so always seek what’s out there as resources. There are a lot of resources to help entrepreneurs start up businesses.
I encourage all the applicants, don’t stop applying for this opportunity, but always seek other opportunities for growth.
