3-minute readThe Well, the Lakeland co-working and incubator space at 114 E. Parker St., will hold its second annual Black Business Expo on Friday, June 6, followed by a new, gala celebration of minority-owned Lakeland businesses on Saturday, June 7.The Well will also host a Gospel Explosion on Sunday, June 8.
The events are tied together with the theme “Elevate, Innovate, and Thrive in 2025.”The expo, gala, and gospel explosion events are a major fundraiser for The Well. Last year, more than 200 people attended the expo, said Well co-owner Sallie Stone.
Black Business Expo: The Black Business Expo, co-sponsored by the Central Florida Business Diversity Council, will be held at The Well, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.Stone said the expo will encompass a series of panel discussions and interactive workshops, with a lineup of speakers.The topics include building business credit, AI innovation and applications, wealth generation, navigating effective community partnerships, and how to utilize solar energy.Tickets for the expo are $25; lunch is included.
Lakeland Black history: Following the expo, there will be a Legacy Bus Tour, led by community activist Annie Phyall, and Larry Mitchell, President of the Central Florida Business Diversity Council.The tour will explore local Black-owned businesses and historical landmarks in Lakeland, showcasing the impact of Black entrepreneurship in the community.Stone said the bus will load around 2:15 p.m. at The Well and the tour will last around two hours. Quick Pitch competition: At 7 p.m. at The Well on June 6, there will be a Quick Pitch Business Competition in which business owners will present their ideas to a panel of judges in less than 10 minutes and have a chance to win a $500 cash prize.
The business owners will discuss their business models, market potential and competitive advantages and gain feedback from the judges.The entry fee is $25.
Vendors: After the expo and bus tour, people will also have the opportunity to meet the owners of local minority-owned businesses at The Well during the Vendor Exhibit Hall from 5 to 8 p.m. More than 20 vendors are expected.The vendor fee is $75.To attend the evening events, including the Quick Pitch Business Competition, Business to Business Networking event, and Vendor Exhibit Hall, there is a $15 entry fee. New Gala this year: For the first time, The Well is hosting a Minority Business Awards Gala, on June 7, starting at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Springhill Suites, 511 W. Lime St., Lakeland. The gala is a black-tie affair, celebrating minority entrepreneurs, community leaders, and change-makers in Polk County.Tickets are $60. “It really is an opportunity to acknowledge, appreciate, and award businesses that have made an impact in the community, and those organizations that support minority businesses and have made an impact,” Stone said. Get your praise on: On Sunday, The Well is hosting “A Gospel Explosion.” The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.Tickets are $35, and include meals such as shrimp and grits, and chicken and waffles. “It will be a steady stream of spoken-word artists, mime, vocalists and comedy acts, a whole program of curated gospel that will warm your soul,” Stone explained.
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