Our Impact
BBIF has made a significant impact on the Central Florida Minority business community by providing over $25 million in business loans, helped to create and sustain over 3100 new jobs, and helped to foster the growth of hundreds of businesses. Click here for annual report to get a glimpse of the huge impacts BBIF has had on the Central Florida economy.
Supporting Business Growth and Development in the Urban Core
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 African American commercial general contractors. The business is located in the Parramore community and employs 35 people. 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. In addition, he has been responsible for the re-development of seven new homes in the Parramore neighborhood.
After several years in the business, Mr. Burns almost lost his business. He was unable to attain the commercial credit 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 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 and manage his contractual opportunities and obligations and to further facilitate businesses growth.
Today Mr. Bob Burns is reinvesting in the Parramore community; he has purchased property and is currently planning to construct a two story office building. Mr. Burns has been able to attain the financing for this project on his 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 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 cost estimation services for the project, construction loan financing and management development technical assistance. Prior to attaining financing through the BBIF this business owner had been turned down three times by banks. Mr. Greenwood’s investment improved a blighted property, increased jobs in the Pine Hills community, and brought a much needed service into the community.
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