Kissimmee, Fla. (January 22, 2024) The Black Empowerment & Community Council is launching a new partnership with the UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee to host the Rise & Thrive Community Networking Series starting in January.

This series will take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 400 Emmett St., Kissimmee, Fla. 34741.

“I’m personally excited to partner with the UCF Business Incubation Program to help bring this series to fruition,” said Tiffany Jeffers, CEO & president, Black Empowerment & Community Council. “Together, we’re creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and community leaders to grow, connect, and drive economic empowerment.”

Black Empowerment & Community Council was created to empower and celebrate the Black community in Osceola County through culturally relevant events, programs, and partnerships.

This monthly networking event will provide attendees with:

  • Valuable Resources: Discover proven strategies for scaling your business, from leveraging digital marketing tools to accessing funding opportunities through grants and community programs. Attendees will also gain access to exclusive resources like business development workshops and financial literacy guides tailored to small business success.
  • Inspiring Keynotes: Hear from accomplished leaders and innovators such as regional entrepreneurs who’ve successfully scaled multimillion-dollar businesses, technology experts revolutionizing industries, and nonprofit leaders driving impactful community change. Each speaker will share actionable insights and inspiring stories of resilience, creativity, and growth.
  • Community Connections: Forge meaningful relationships with like-minded professionals, including small business owners, civic leaders, and nonprofit organizers. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, collaboration, or new partnerships, this series creates a space to connect with the people who are shaping the future of Central Florida’s entrepreneurial and community landscape.

“Throughout the UCF Business Incubation Program, our success is often driven when we work in partnership with other organizations looking to build our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Esther Vargas, site manager, UCF Business Incubation Program. “We’re looking forward to all that Tiffany and her organization brings to this focus of supporting entrepreneurs in Kissimmee and all of Central Florida.”

The first event was held on January 15 and featured David Walker, author and motivational coach who spoke about The Champion’s Mindset and how attendees should make room for their gifts, manage fear and maintain their competitive edge in 2025.

“This event was great and I met some wonderful people and heard the great presentation by Dr. Walker, said Kelly Charles-Collins, author and CEO, The Speaker’s Mogul. ”It was exactly what I needed to kick off the year.”

The next Rise & Thrive event on February 15 will be themed “Rising to the Top: Marketing Tools We Can Use,” and will focus on equipping attendees with actionable strategies to elevate their businesses and personal brands in competitive markets.

For more information, please contact:

UCF Business Incubation Program: Alan Byrd, Alan Byrd & Associates, 407-415-8470, Alan@ByrdConnections.com or Esther Vargas, site manager, Esther.Vargas@ucf.edu

Black Empowerment & Community Council: Melanie Denny, Director of Communications, mdenny@beccouncil.org 407-490-2253

About Black Empowerment & Community Council: The Black Empowerment & Community Council (BECC) is a vibrant force for unity, advocacy, and progress, dedicated to uplifting Osceola County’s Black community. Founded with a bold vision of empowerment, BECC serves as the unapologetic heartbeat of Black excellence, fostering education, economic growth, public safety, health, and social justice through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts.

BECC operates through impactful programs, culturally relevant events, and community-driven projects that address systemic barriers while amplifying Black voices and achievements. Our “Tables” (committees) lead efforts in education, health equity, economic development, public safety, and social justice, ensuring every aspect of community life is enhanced. For more information visit www.beccouncil.org

About the UCF Business Incubation Program: The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high-growth/impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has provided vital business development resources resulting in over 300 local startup companies reaching their potential faster and graduating into the community where they continue to grow and positively impact the local economy.

With nine facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Eustis, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs. In 2023, current incubator clients supported over 1,000 employees and generated over $120 million in revenue.  Nineteen companies graduated from the program and remained in the local community. For more information, visit  www.incubator.ucf.edu.