mack__bernard_4.jpgFORT LAUDERDALE — To celebrate National Black Business Month, the Mosaic Group along with several business and community partners is hosting the 3rd Annual South Florida State of the Black Business Forum & Networking Reception, Friday, Aug. 31, 2:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, 1230 South Pine Island Rd. in Plantation.

The cost is $20 and the event is open to the public. For more information visit upscalebymosaic.com or contact Ann Marie Sorrell, asorrell@upscalebymosaic.com or 561-531-4046.

The organizers note that National Black Business Month (NBBM) is an annual initiative to increase the number and scale of African/

Caribbean-American owned businesses in the United States and globally. The event will focus on information, visibility and accountability of black businesses. 

The forum will feature a panel of thought leaders — such as Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness and state Rep. Mack Bernard from the public sector, and attorneys Burnadette Norris-Weeks and Bradley Harper from the private sector — sharing insight on the

impact of black businesses on South Florida’s economy, as well as the challenges, future outlook and solutions to creating and growing sustainable black businesses.

Specific forum topics include:

• Economic Impact of the Black Business in South Florida

• Challenges for the Black Business in the New Economy

• Future Outlook for Black Businesses in South Florida

• How to Create and Grow Sustainable Black Businesses

• What you can do to ensure the growth of Black Businesses in your community

The forum will be followed by a networking reception themed, Celebrating the Creation & Growth of Black Businesses.

Photo: Mack Bernard