ORLANDO, Fla. – Petrona Ramsey says when she first heard about Black Business Orlando she was automatically drawn to the idea of helping young black entrepreneurs. “I actually just started out as a volunteer just to offer my knowledge, offer my expertise, offer anything I can to help,” Ramsey said.
However, before long, the founder of the Facebook group was asking her to step into a position of leadership. Ramsey is now the President of BBO.
The group which started in 2014 as a hub for black business owners and supporters in Orlando has now grown to over 23,000 followers.
Ramsey says the group has helped members navigate the challenges of the pandemic, which has hit Black businesses especially hard.