Download the BBIF Annual Report 2012

BBIF has made a significant impact by providing over $32 million in business loans. BBIF’s loan assistance has helped to create and sustain over 9900 new jobs for an economic impact in excess of $300 million into the economy with a historical loan loss of 3%.

Supporting Business Growth and Development in the Urban Core

Strengthening an Inner City Business

BBIF's community revitalization through economic development is shown in its work with Mr. Bob Burns, of R.L. Burns, Inc., one of Orlando's few large African American commercial general contractors. Over the years, Mr. Burns has built many of the structures at Walt Disney World, being one of the few minority contractors allowed to work on Disney’s property expansions.

After several years in the business, Mr. Burns almost lost his business. He was unable to attain the commercial credit and bonding needed from the traditional banking community to support and grow his business. BBIF worked with Mr. Burns to help him attain the capital that he needed to support his business and finance growth. BBIF also assisted by leveraging a network of local public and private partners to help Mr. Burns attain contracts. Mr. Burns went on to build many of the Bank of America branches throughout the state as well as many public schools and airport projects. In addition, Mr. Burns proceeded to “Grow his business the Smart Way” by utilizing BBIF management training, the monthly roundtables, as a tool to help him successfully plan, implement and manage his contractual opportunities and obligations and to further facilitate businesses growth.

Today Mr. Bob Burns has further reinvested in the Parramore community; he purchased property and constructed his corporate office building where his business employs 35 people. Mr. Burns was able to attain the financing for his office project on his own business’ credit.

Eliminating Blight and Creating Jobs in Pine Hills

The BBIF worked with Mr. Preston Greenwood, owner of Sea Wind Fish Market located on S. Pine Hills Road to redevelop the real estate that he had purchased earlier (two dilapidated residential structures) into a seafood restaurant. In addition, the organization provided financial technical assistance by providing cost estimation services for the project, construction loan financing and project development assistance. Prior to attaining financing through the BBIF this business owner was turned down three times by banks. Mr. Greenwood’s investment improved a blighted and improvised property, increased jobs in the Pine Hills community, and brought a needed service to the community.

Bringing Businesses and Culture Back To the Urban Core

BBIF is an investor in the planned Renaissance at Carver Square (RCS) is a redevelopment project that will be located in the Parramore Heritage Community, which was once the epicenter of life for African American Central Floridians.  Built in the mid 50’s, the former building housed the Carver Theatre, named in honor of George Washington Carver. It was a community landmark in the Parramore area that embodied the rich and unique history of African American people in Orlando.  The site is well positioned in the Downtown Orlando community and has good access to the East/West Expressway and I-4 roadways.  In addition, it is located two blocks west of the new $400 million Events Center and one block west of the $50 million City View project.