In response to the devastating effect of the pandemic on small and minority-led businesses, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is launching a new “Opportunities for All” initiative, a program designed to assist owners with navigating resources to help their business grow as well as assist with pairing interns and entry-level workers with promising job opportunities.

The initiative will work closely with the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce, the Latin Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations to expand economic collaboration in our region. Small grants and funding will also be available to help these businesses grow and thrive. The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation is helping make the program possible through a $250,000 grant. Funds also supported the hiring of Kaveecia Moore to manage the program.

Moore has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a MBA from Barry University in Miami. She is a third-generation Sarasotan and has a background in education and finance. She currently serves on the board of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC), the advisory board of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and is a graduate of the 2021 Gulf Coast Board Institute.