Chairing and Celebrating Diversity and Entrepreneurship: The Growth and Service Diversity of the 2024-2025 Class of the Tampa Bay Chamber Minority Business Accelerator
I am excited to share the remarkable journey we are embarking on with the seventh class of the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator (MBA). As the proud Chair of the 2024-2025 class, I am thrilled to report that this cohort is not only breaking records but reshaping the narrative of diversity and entrepreneurship in our community. As we begin this journey, it is an opportune time to reflect on the invaluable role this program plays in fostering economic empowerment, growth, and diversity within our community. As the Chair, I am thrilled to share the impact and significance of the MBA program as we welcome a new cohort of dynamic businesses.
Diversity Beyond Measure: Unveiling the Most Diverse MBA Class Yet
Since its inception in 2018, the Tampa Bay Chamber Minority Business Accelerator has been an example of hope and opportunity for Black and Hispanic businesses striving for expansion. The MBA is not merely a program; it is a dynamic initiative under the Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation dedicated to aiding minority-owned businesses in preparing for the next stage of their business. The MBA has always been a symbol of growth and empowerment for minority-owned businesses, and the 2024-2025 class takes this commitment to a new level. We are seeing the convergence of talents and ambitions from a multitude of industries, making this class the most diverse in terms of the types of businesses it represents.
From innovators to sustainability champions, hospitality trailblazers to creative artisans, the 2024-2025 class reflects the rich tapestry of entrepreneurship in our community. This diversity is not just a statistic; it is a testament to the boundless potential that exists within each unique business and the collective strength they bring to our economic landscape. I look forward to working with each of the outstanding nine businesses in the cohort.
- Eggs Up Grill
- TrueCandor Behavioral Health
- SGD Communications
- ClearPath Health
- A&A's Complete Janitorial
- CLEMCO.AV
- Premier Choice Group
- Ernest Walker Insurance Agency
- Halo Solutions
Breaking Down Walls: Empowering Businesses, Building Bridges
As we drive these businesses toward growth, we recognize the importance of breaking down barriers. The MBA is not just about financial support as some may think; it is about building bridges that connect businesses with mentorship, resources, and opportunities. This class embodies the spirit of collaboration, where industries converge, ideas intersect, and the potential for innovative partnerships flourishes.
A Chair's Perspective: Navigating the Path to Inclusive Prosperity
Allow me to share a bit about my own journey and commitment to this cause. As the Chair of the 2025 class, my passion for fostering diversity in entrepreneurship stems from a belief in the transformative power of inclusivity. As an immigrant, I moved to Tampa not knowing anyone. In addition to getting connected to the community through playing football after track and field in college, I joined the Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Program in 2013. I later learned about the MBA program and started volunteering in 2019 through various initiatives including providing presentations on accounting, cybersecurity, and risk management, and being a mentor to the MBA cohorts. I graduated from the esteemed Tampa Bay Chamber Leadership Program in May 2023 where I gained a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the Tampa Bay Community.
I am also a minority business owner and CEO of Douglas CPAs and Consultants where I provide CPA services, cybersecurity services, financial education to college, professional and former athletes and other consulting services. In addition to the diverse skills gained from being raised in the Caribbean, I bring business management, accounting, cybersecurity, risk management, leadership, and community connection experience to this role. I leverage my expertise and council from various community leaders and ability to guide and support these businesses on their journey toward sustainable growth.
In my athletic and professional journey, I have seen the immense potential that lies within diverse businesses. I am committed to championing each entrepreneur, providing not just guidance but a platform for their voices to be heard and their businesses to excel and thrive.
Practical Tools for Change: How the MBA Empowers Businesses
The MBA is more than a traditional accelerator; it is a comprehensive program that provides practical tools for change. From financial strategies to networking opportunities, from mentorship programs to access to key decision-makers, the MBA ensures that each participant is well-equipped to navigate the complex terrain of business growth. As these businesses grow, the positive impact is not limited to their individual success. The effect extends to our community. The job creation, increased capacity, and the overall enhancement of economic opportunities contribute to a stronger, more resilient Tampa Bay.
The Road Ahead: A Shared Vision for Inclusive Economic Prosperity
As we embark on this exciting chapter with the 2025 cohort of the MBA, I invite you to join us in fostering collaboration, celebrating diversity, and championing the spirit of entrepreneurship. Whether you are a business leader, a mentor, or someone passionate about fostering diversity and growth, your support is crucial in making the MBA a continued success.
Together, we can create a legacy of inclusive economic prosperity that transcends industries and positively impacts the fabric of our vibrant Tampa Bay community.
Join Us on the Journey: Get Involved and Support the MBA
In the spirit of collaboration and empowerment, let us work together to nurture the potential within our minority-owned businesses, drive economic growth, and create a legacy of success in the heart of Tampa Bay. Here's to a transformative journey with the 2024-2025 class of the Tampa Bay Chamber Minority Business Accelerator—a journey that with your help promises a more resilient, diverse, and prosperous future for all.
Kadian Douglas, CPA, CISA, M.Ed.,
Chair, MBA 2025 Cohort - Tampa Bay Chamber Minority Business Accelerator
CEO – Douglas CPAs and Consultants