Shaheewa Jarret, CEO, Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce
In an interview with Invest:, Shaheewa Jarrett, CEO of the Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce, discussed the chamber’s recent milestones, challenges facing Black-owned businesses, advocacy efforts, and priorities for the future, including expanding access to capital, government contracting, and international market opportunities.
What have been the key milestones for the chamber over the last year?
This has been an extremely interesting journey. Our chamber celebrated six years of providing programming for our members and the community. We marked this milestone with our annual chamber luncheon, a great way to close out the year.
A major achievement was winning a Women’s Business Center grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, an accomplishment that strengthens our ability to support members.
Another milestone has been our membership growth. We are intentional about controlled expansion, ensuring sustainable development. We had no members when I founded the chamber, and now we are close to 600 members over a six-year period, a testament to our strategic approach and focus on high-quality in all that we do for the community and members. These three achievements — our anniversary, the Women’s Business Center, and membership growth — will continue to fuel our success.
How would you describe the state of Black-owned businesses, and what trends are you observing in their growth and development?
Overall, Black businesses are on a positive trajectory. Owners are committed to providing quality services and products while focusing on revenue and employment growth. Many are expanding their customer base and scaling operations.
However, challenges remain, particularly for the restaurant industry, which still feels the effects of COVID-19. Many workers left the sector, making it difficult to find reliable employees and slowing recovery.
Despite this, Black entrepreneurs have been resourceful, adapting by adding new services, reaching different customer bases, and staying flexible with market trends. Creativity in diversifying revenue streams and staying competitive is a defining trend in our community.
How has the economic landscape impacted Black businesses in the community, and what strategies are businesses using to navigate challenges?
Access to capital remains a major challenge. Studies show Black entrepreneurs often receive smaller loans, if they receive funding at all. That’s why we’ve built partnerships with financial institutions to expand funding options for our members.
Beyond securing capital, preparation is key. We ensure business owners are financially ready when applying for loans, lines of credit, and other financial tools: having their financials in order, clear projections, and a plan for the funds. We also connect them with lenders experienced in working with minority- and women-owned businesses.
Florida’s shifting political and economic landscape adds complexity. We’ve seen a pullback from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, but businesses must remain data-driven. Future generations, Gen Alpha, and those who came before them are already a minority-majority. As their purchasing power grows, companies must engage them authentically.
Businesses that understand this will continue investing in diverse markets through social media, print media, and radio. They’ll also prioritize diverse leadership because studies show that diverse management teams yield better results. Having these voices in the room helps avoid costly missteps, like the backlash from Walmart’s Juneteenth ice cream incident.
At the Chamber, we tell our members to stay the course. The market is diverse, and businesses that engage authentically and respectfully with their customers will thrive.
How has the chamber expanded its programs to better support small businesses?
Our partnership with Truist grew significantly, increasing from $10,000 to $100,000. This allowed us to expand beyond QuickBooks training and free subscriptions, expanding our small business strengthening program to also include legal services. Many small business owners need contract assistance but feel uncomfortable negotiating when the other party has legal representation. To address this, we introduced quarterly legal clinics for expert guidance.
Additionally, we have incorporated strategic marketing and business planning services. We emphasize analyzing trends and projections. Business owners must recognize demand spikes and adjust accordingly. During slower periods, marketing strategies should maintain steady revenue. This program now helps entrepreneurs fine-tune operations and build stronger, more resilient businesses.
What began as QuickBooks training has evolved into a comprehensive program covering financial literacy, legal protections, marketing strategies, and sustainability. As a result, members are securing capital, understanding their financials better, and making data-driven business decisions.
How is the chamber advocating for Black businesses at the local and state levels?
Advocacy is a core pillar of our work. Beyond education, we push for business-friendly policies that create opportunities for our members. Locally, we’ve focused on expanding the sheltered market for small businesses in government contracting. Broward County’s threshold is $250,000, while Tampa and other areas have higher limits, some reaching $1 million. We’ve been pushing to raise Broward County’s threshold to $500,000, ensuring that small businesses can compete and grow.
Another key area is equitable contracting. We push for policies ensuring subcontractors receive fair and timely payments. Large corporations may be able to wait months for payment, but small businesses cannot. Addressing these obstacles is critical for maintaining cash flow and competitiveness.
At the state level, we actively push back against preemption bills — legislation that removes local governments’ ability to govern in the best interests of their communities. Florida is large and diverse, and what works in one county may not work in another. Local governments understand their economies and business needs better than a one-size-fits-all state policy. That’s why we advocate for maintaining local control.
What are the chamber’s top priorities for the future, and how do you see its role in shaping Black business growth?
As a chamber, we are always looking toward the future. These priorities are things we think deeply about because we’re guiding our businesses through local and state markets and helping them expand beyond Florida and, ideally, into national and international markets.
One of our biggest priorities is ensuring that Black businesses don’t miss out on global opportunities. Many business owners don’t fully grasp the potential of international markets, and the unfamiliarity can be intimidating. However, the reality is that there are more consumer opportunities outside the United States than within it. This applies to all industries, and being in South Florida, where we are so close to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, it’s crucial that we prepare our members to take advantage of these opportunities.
That means training business owners in international trade, helping them understand the value of foreign markets for their industries, and facilitating connections that lead to real business deals. We’ve already taken steps in this direction. Before the pandemic and the heightened focus on racial equity after George Floyd’s murder, the Canadian Consulate in Miami reached out to us for a trade mission. They wanted to diversify their outreach, so we facilitated matchmaking between Canadian businesses and our members, opening doors for cross-border partnerships.
We’re now renewing that relationship with Canada while also strengthening ties with the Bahamas and other nations. The goal is to ensure that, even when the U.S. economy slows, our businesses have access to thriving markets abroad. This is a long-term vision, but we are committed to making international business expansion a reality for Black entrepreneurs in Broward County and beyond.
