Economic Development
JAC’s Economic Development committee offers programs to facilitate community members’ journey to financial independence and economic empowerment. Our goal is to address issues concerning financial planning, money management, consumer education, investments and employment opportunities. We also focus energy on supporting black-owned and woman-owned businesses.
Viveca Brown
Tiara Pollard
Financial Fortitude
Economic stability is a key element in creating and maintaining strong communities. To address the need for economic development, Delta Sigma Theta put forth Financial Fortitude, an initiative comprised of ten components and provides a collaboration of information from major economic corporations and other well-known financial institutions. the ten components include:
Retirement Planning
Home Ownership
Insurance
Estate Planning
Entrepreneurship
Goal Setting
Financial Planning
Budgeting
Debt Management
Savings & Investments
Programs and events aligned with the initiative include our annual Whole House Workshop, Support a Black Business campaigns, Delta Youth Tank, Making Money Moves and the Shop Black Jax online business directory.
WHOLE HOUSE WORKSHOP
The Economic Development committee hosts an annual Whole House Workshop, a powerful seminar where attendees learn how to strengthen their financial house through financial fortitude. By attending the Whole House Workshop, participants can develop a solid foundation in financial literacy, enabling them to make informed decisions about their financial future. Our 5th annual Whole House Workshop will take place in April 2025 and we would love your support. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact us at dstjaxeconomicdevelopment@gmail.com for more information on how you can be involved!
SUPPORT A BLACK BUSINESS
Supporting black-owned businesses can help the economy in many ways including closing the racial wealth gap, creating jobs and empowering individuals. Whether we purchase products and services or promote and support through social media, we empower black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
ELOURE BEAUTY SUPPLY
IN-PERSON SUPPORT AT GRAND OPENING
MY DIVA BOUTIQUE
ONLINE SUPPORT OF BOUTIQUE
DELTA YOUTH TANK
BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION
JAC launched its inaugural Delta Youth Tank business pitch competition for aspiring and current young female entrepreneurs in the local community. Think of it as the televised Shark Tank™, but with a Delta twist!
Through the Delta Youth Tank, we aim to identify young innovative entrepreneurs with breakthrough ideas to advance black-owned and woman-owned small businesses. African American girls enrolled in Duval county schools can compete for a chance to win monetary awards to promote and implement their business plan. Winners also have the opportunity to participate in learning experiences to enhance their knowledge, skills and exposure to effective business strategies.
2024 DELTA YOUTH TANK BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION WINNERS
MAKING MONEY MOVES
Making Money Moves is a financial literacy program that educates students on the importance of proper money management. The 4 part program is designed to provide a deep understanding of banking, budgeting, taxes and credit. Our goal is to equip students with the tools needed to manage their money, credit and create a solid financial future.
SHOP BLACK JAX
Shop Black Jax is an interactive, online directory that allows black business owners and entrepreneurs to be spotlighted among one another and allows all of us to #shopblackjax! Shop Black Jax is more than just a directory, it’s a network of shared resources, direct information exchange, and mutual support.
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Shop Black Jax online directory is for information only, and the sorority does not endorse or have liability for any businesses or services advertised in this directory.
Click here to visit Shop Black Jax
COMMUNITY RESOURCES & TOOLS
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small businesses and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
VISIT THE US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) HERE.
Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
As the largest network of small business consultants in Florida, the Florida SBDC provides access to no-cost consulting, affordable and high-quality resources, innovative tools, and the knowledge of experienced small business experts. The Florida SBDC serves as the statewide single point of contact for the advancement of an entrepreneurial environment; thus, creating a positive foundation for the development and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises in Florida.
To learn more, visit the Florida SBDC HERE
Office Of Economic Development
The Office of Economic Development’s goal is to enhance the quality of life for all of Jacksonville by developing and executing policies that strengthen the economy, broaden the tax base, and create opportunities for advancement of the workforce and local small business enterprises.
Click here to learn more about how the City of Jacksonville encourages commercial growth & prosperity.
Financial Planning Toolkit
Access free financial planning tools such as the savings goal calculator and required minimum distribution calculator. Click here to visit investor.gov for more resources and tips.