Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cocoa declares August National Black Business Month; Space Coast Black Chamber urges action on contracting disparities
Summary
Mayor Michael C. Blake presented a proclamation declaring August National Black Business Month and invited Space Coast Black Chamber leaders to speak about shortcomings in federal contracting and the need for continued advocacy and support for Black‑owned businesses locally.
Mayor Michael C. Blake read a proclamation July 15 declaring August 2025 as National Black Business Month in Cocoa and recognized leaders from the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce.
A chamber representative said Black chambers exist because federal and corporate procurement and contracting historically have not allocated shares equitably. She cited federal fiscal year 2020 data saying that of set‑aside federal contract dollars for minority‑owned businesses, the majority went to white women‑owned firms while Black‑owned businesses received a small fraction; she said these disparities show the need for continued advocacy and local support to promote contracting opportunities and capacity building.
The mayor thanked the chamber and praised the entrepreneurial contributions of Black‑owned businesses to Cocoa's cultural and economic life. Council members offered brief congratulatory remarks. The proclamation is ceremonial and encourages local officials and partners to support programs that help expand contracting and business growth.
