The Community Awareness Team (CAT) serving Liberty City and Overtown will host the “Small Business and Entrepreneurial Showcase 911: An Emergency Affair for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Belafonte TACOLCY Center, 6161 NW Ninth Avenue in Liberty City.

The aim is to expose residents to business owners who provide goods and services in their neighborhoods. Vendors from businesses in the two communities will show residents what they have to offer.


Also, an in-depth discussion on the effects of failing businesses in urban communities will take place.

The CAT comprises a group of local residents recruited from Liberty City and Overtown to take part in a Leadership Program centered on addressing community issues through study groups and small community based projects.

After completing a five-week discussion, the CAT designed, developed and will implement the showcase to focus on helping businesses in areas with high poverty rates.

Gregory Burrell, CAT’s project director, said the agency decided to hold the event because there was a wealth of business resources in the community that residents don’t even use.

“There are so many great businesses right in our neighborhoods that offer quality products, goods and services. My hopes are that this event will make a difference and people will be encouraged to start supporting the businesses that are within their communities,” Burrell said.

The event will also include entertainment, including a fashion show, live performances, music, face painting, a clown and bounce house for kids.

Food will be sold by vendors.

Admission is free and open to the public and those who plan to attend are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

The showcase is sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Corporation, The Belafonte TACOLCY Center, Gospel AM 1490 WMBM radio station, Best Bounce House, Dr. Nelson Adams and County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson.

For more information, Call Burrell, 786-343-4391.