BBIF

Did you catch it? ?? Our CEO, Ray Gilley, was featured on the cover of last week’s Orlando Business Journal! ?? He shared some gems about his vision for BBIF—continuing our mission to help business owners scale, grow, and uplift the community. Ray’s leadership marks an exciting chapter for BBIF as we build on our legacy and explore new ways to create meaningful economic impact. If you’re looking to get involved, visit our website to learn more about how we collaborate with partners to drive lasting change. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/e2WEfrwA #BBIF #Leadership #EconomicImpact #BusinessGrowth #CommunityFinance #SmallBusinessSupport #CDFI #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #OrlandoBusiness

Tomorrow, our very own Karlon Johnson, MBA, CBCA, CMSA, EDFP will be speaking at the Orlando MBDA Business Center Development Series! ?? To register scan the QR code or click on the link https://lnkd.in/e4PRAq9j

Join Orange County for Some Exciting Upcoming Business Forums! The county has several upcoming events aimed at empowering local businesses: Good Faith Effort (GFE) Virtual Open Forum - When: First Monday of each month, 4:00 – 5:00 PM - Details: Understand GFE documentation and M/WBE Construction Goals. Orange County M/WBE Certification Workshop - When: Second Monday of each month, 2:00 – 4:00 PM - Where: National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 - Details: Learn the ins and outs of doing business with Orange County Government How to Do Business with Orange County Workshop - When: Third Monday of each month, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Details: Discover effective engagement strategies for county contracts. These forums offer valuable insights and networking opportunities to help small businesses thrive. Don't miss out! #BBIF #OrangeCountyFL #BusinessForums #MWBE #Networking #BusinessGrowth

The energy in the room was electric as ONYX Magazine's Women on the Move honored trailblazers shaping our communities and industries. From powerful stories of perseverance to well-deserved recognition, the evening was a testament to the impact of women leading change. Kicking off Women’s History Month in such inspiring company reminded us why celebrating and uplifting these voices matters. Congratulations to all the honorees—your dedication is transforming the community for the better! #WomenOnTheMove #CelebratingWomen #WomensHistoryMonth #BBIF

The Eagle Awards was a night to remember! Walking into the room, you could feel it—the energy of possibility, the power of resilience, and the shared commitment to building something bigger than ourselves. Hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, this event wasn’t just about awards—it was about honoring the entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, sparking innovation, and shaping the future of Central Florida’s economy. At BBIF, we know that behind every successful business is a story of determination. That’s why we were proud to be in the room, celebrating those who continue to uplift their communities and push boundaries. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners! Your leadership and impact don’t go unnoticed, and we’re excited to see what’s next for you. #EconomicEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #CommunityImpact #AACCEagleAwards #LeadershipMatters

It’s always a privilege to collaborate with organizations committed to empowering communities. Thank you to Northwestern Mutual for partnering with us on our upcoming Financial Planning for Business Owner's workshop. This session is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools to protect their assets, build long-term wealth, and create workplaces that attract and retain top talent. Join us virtually on March 5th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM for an insightful discussion led by industry experts. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/ecAB39Kq #FinancialPlanning #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurSuccess #StrategicPartnerships #CommunityImpact

Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our communities, and at BBIF, we’re proud to stand beside them as they build, innovate, and create jobs. Over the last 35+ years, our work has helped fuel businesses that drive economic impact and long-term success. ?? $103.5M in business loans ?? 15,125 jobs created ?? $625M in NMTC community leverage ???? 9,112 Historic Training Hours These numbers tell a powerful story—one of resilience, opportunity, and growth. But behind every number is a business owner with a vision and a community that thrives because of their success. We celebrate the bold, determined, and passionate entrepreneurs who are shaping the future. Their dreams fuel our mission, and we’re honored to be part of their journey. #BBIF #EntrepreneurshipWeek #EconomicImpact #BusinessGrowth #StrongerTogether #CommunityInvestment #Entrepreneur #BusinessFunding #Funding #CDIF

Great leaders lift others as they climb! Yesterday, our teammate Tarneisha Peters had the opportunity to serve as a mentor at the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s #MentoringMonday, dedicated to supporting local business professionals. We’re proud to see our teammate investing their time and expertise to uplift the next generation of leaders!

Small businesses fuel stronger communities, and legacy cafe is a perfect example of that. More than just a coffee shop, it’s a space where connection, opportunity, and economic growth come together. Their story was recently featured by Spectrum News, highlighting the impact of investing in small businesses built with purpose. BBIF was honored to be part of the feature, sharing how we support entrepreneurs with the capital and resources they need to grow. Check out the full feature: https://lnkd.in/edyHPshG We’re excited to see what’s next for Legacy Café and look forward to their continued success! #BuiltWithPurpose #SmallBizSuccess

Love for community shines through businesses like Mitchell Learning Academy, where ReShawndia Mitchell, MPH and her husband are shaping the future through high-quality early education. ??? More than a learning center, they’ve built a foundation for future generations—one that nurtures young minds and uplifts families. Their commitment to education and community is a testament to the power of partnership. We celebrate the impact of strong partnerships that drive meaningful change. #HappyValentinesDay #CommunityImpact #SmallBusiness #EarlyEducation #BBIF