OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – This month, the Ocala Chamber and Economic Partnership hosted a Black Business Month workshop, helping more than 60 business owners.

Organizer Freddie Morris says some entrepreneurs are accustomed to working independently — but this is where they step in.

“They have to worry about financials like how they’re submitting their taxes, worry about. We let them know that’s not how it should work. You should have all of those things kind of working for yourself and focus on what you bring best to the business,” said Morris.

From food to clothing — Morris says there’s help in every aspect of building a business.

He told TV20 it’s important for other people to see these business owners in these spaces.

“It’s important for people in Ocala to see people who look like them being successful to let them know that it’s possible. I think that’s the thing, you know, seeing is believing,” said Morris.

Like one downtown business owner who moved her business all the way from California to Florida.

She says this wasn’t always her plan — but she knew she wanted to own her own business.

“When I originally started the business, it was not boutique. It was skin care because both of my kids suffer with really bad eczema. It was always my goal, and I made it happen,” said business owner Stacy Warrick.

Warrick owns Karishma’s Boutique and told TV20 that not only is it important for businesses to be diverse, but she also believes in keeping funds local.

“I’m very strategic like that. I would prefer to put my dollars with the community with local businesses,” said Warrick.

Officials with the Ocala CEP urge more business owners to reach out because they have resources available. For more information, click here.

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