The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida

For more than 80 years, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida has served as a powerful advocate and resource hub for Black entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses across the region. Through advocacy, access to capital, contracting support, and entrepreneur development, the Chamber drives economic empowerment while building community, celebrating excellence, and creating pathways for long-term business growth.

Tanisha Nunn Gary, President CEO African American Chamber of Commerce Central Florida

Powering Success

Interview With Tanisha Nunn Gary President & CEO of The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida

Central Florida has a long history of Black entrepreneurship. How is that legacy influencing the economic and cultural direction of Orlando today?

That legacy is foundational. Black entrepreneurs have been shaping Orlando’s economy long before the city became the global destination it is today. What we are seeing now is a renewed visibility and confidence rooted in that history. Legacy businesses laid the groundwork by proving sustainability, ownership and resilience, and today’s entrepreneurs are building on that by scaling, innovating and expanding into new sectors. This continuity has created a culture of ownership and collaboration that is influencing how Orlando grows economically and culturally by ensuring growth includes businesses that are deeply rooted in the community and committed to long-term impact.

What industries in the Orlando area are seeing the most momentum in African American entrepreneurship right now?

We are seeing strong momentum in professional services, healthcare, construction, food and beverage, creative industries and technology adjacent businesses. Tourism continues to be important, but many Black owned businesses are diversifying beyond traditional lanes, moving into consulting, logistics, real estate development and scalable service models. What’s especially exciting is that many of these businesses are not just starting up, they are hiring, contracting and positioning themselves as vendors and partners across Central Florida’s broader economy.

Tell us about a recent Chamber initiative that you believe is meaningfully moving the needle for Black owned businesses in Central Florida.

Accelerate Central Florida is one of the initiatives I am most proud of because it focuses on sustainability and scale rather than short-term wins. This multi-month cohort supports established businesses that are ready to grow by strengthening operations, improving financial practices and increasing access to corporate and institutional opportunities. Accelerate Central Florida is designed to help businesses move from survival to strategy and from access to execution, which is where real economic impact happens.

What’s your vision for the next five years of the Chamber, and how does it align with Orlando’s broader growth trajectory?

Along with my Board of Directors and Chamber team, my vision is for the Chamber to continue serving as a bridge connecting Black owned businesses to opportunity, capital and influence as Orlando grows. Over the next five years, that means deepening partnerships, expanding regional reach and continuing to invest in programs like Accelerate Central Florida that prepare businesses to scale. Orlando is growing rapidly, and the Chamber’s role is to make sure Black entrepreneurs are not just present for that growth but prepared to lead, thrive and build lasting enterprises within it.

Driving Economic Empowerment: The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida

In the heart of Central Florida’s bustling business landscape, one organization stands as a steadfast advocate for Black entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses: the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF). Established in 1945, this membership-based institution has spent more than eight decades championing the economic success, visibility, and growth of African American enterprises across Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

At its core, the Chamber’s mission is simple but powerful: to serve as the principal advocate and preeminent leader in fostering economic success for African American-owned businesses and the broader African American business community in Central Florida. Guided by a vision of business development, wealth creation, and economic empowerment, the AACCCF provides a platform where entrepreneurial spirit meets actionable support.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Opportunity

The Chamber’s work centers on four foundational pillars that define its strategic approach and tangible impact: advocacy, access to capital, contracting, and entrepreneur training and development. Advocacy is perhaps the thread that runs deepest through the Chamber’s history. By serving as a collective voice for member businesses, the AACCCF engages with community leaders, policymakers, and corporate partners to influence policies that promote small business growth and remove barriers that have historically hindered minority-owned enterprises. Whether addressing regulatory challenges or championing equitable inclusion in local and regional economic initiatives, the Chamber helps ensure its members aren’t just present in the marketplace but are heard and respected.

Yet advocacy is only part of the picture. The Chamber also recognizes that economic power requires resources. That’s why one of its central commitments is helping members gain access to critical capital and financing. Partnerships with financial institutions and initiatives aimed at opening doors to credit, loans, and investment opportunities make a substantive difference for business owners who might otherwise struggle to secure financial backing. By guiding members through these complex systems, the AACCCF actively helps bridge gaps that many small businesses face in scaling operations and achieving sustainability.

Opening Doors to Contracting and Development

For many entrepreneurs, securing contracts, especially with larger private corporations or government entities, can be transformative. To support this, the Chamber provides education and resources on contract procurement and competitive bidding, helping members increase their capacity to vie for meaningful business opportunities. This guidance isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about confidence, competence, and strategic positioning in spaces where small and minority-owned businesses have historically been underrepresented.

Training and professional development also play central roles in the Chamber’s offerings. Through workshops, mentoring programs, and curated events, members gain the tools they need to refine their business acumen, strengthen operations, and confidently navigate the competitive landscape of Central Florida’s economy. These opportunities help foster a community of informed, capable business owners ready to innovate, lead, and compete.

Building Community and Celebrating Success

Beyond its structural pillars, the Chamber’s impact is felt through its thriving events calendar and member programs. From networking sessions that spark meaningful business relationships to signature gatherings like the Best of AACCCF Awards, a people’s choice style celebration honoring Black businesses and professionals throughout Central Florida, the organization cultivates community pride and visibility for Black-owned enterprises.

The Eagle Awards are the Chamber’s premier signature event, bringing together just shy of 1,000 business, civic, and community leaders for an unforgettable evening of celebration and impact. Held this year on March 28, the Eagle Awards honors excellence, leadership, and legacy while showcasing the strength and influence of Black businesses and community leaders across Central Florida. It is the Chamber’s most anticipated annual gathering and a cornerstone of our brand and mission.

These events don’t just highlight excellence; they elevate voices, creating platforms where achievements are recognized, stories are shared, and momentum for future growth is built. In doing so, the AACCCF contributes to a broader cultural shift that acknowledges the economic, social, and cultural value of Black businesses in the region.

Leadership With Purpose

At the helm of this influential organization is Tanisha Nunn Gary, CEO and President, whose leadership reflects a deep commitment to both civic engagement and entrepreneurial uplift. With over 18 years of legal experience prior to leading the Chamber, Nunn Gary brings a passion for advocacy and strategic growth that has helped propel the Chamber’s mission forward in an evolving economic landscape.

Supporting her is a team of dedicated professionals, from membership and events managers to program directors, who work daily to translate the Chamber’s vision into measurable outcomes for members and the broader business community. This collaborative spirit fuels the Chamber’s ability to innovate, adapt, and expand its reach.

Become a Member

Membership in the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida connects businesses to a powerful network of advocacy, resources, and opportunity. With tiered options designed to support companies at every stage, members gain access to networking, education, visibility, and pathways to capital and contracting.

Membership levels range from Entrepreneur and Emerging Business for startups and growing companies, to Established Business and Enterprise Partner tiers for more seasoned organizations seeking expanded exposure and engagement. Each level offers increasing benefits, including directory listings, promotional opportunities, event access, and multiple company representatives.

Joining the Chamber is more than a membership, it’s an investment in growth, community, and long-term economic impact.

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