Date: June 10, 2025
Palm Coast, Florida — A dynamic wave of entrepreneurial energy swept through Palm Coast, Florida, as the African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA) hosted its annual iGniteBIZ event. The gathering, which took place this weekend, brought together business owners, innovators, and thought leaders from across the region to foster connections, spark new collaborations, and empower local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
A Platform for Connection and Collaboration
Held at the Hilton Garden Inn, iGniteBIZ is more than just a networking event. It serves as a vital platform for entrepreneurs to access the tools, resources, and connections needed to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. The packed schedule of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops offered valuable insights into scaling businesses, overcoming obstacles, and implementing sustainable growth strategies.
The event attracted entrepreneurs from diverse industries, including tech, healthcare, retail, and real estate. While each attendee’s business was unique, they all shared the common goal of expanding their ventures and making a meaningful impact within their communities. By providing a collaborative space, iGniteBIZ is facilitating connections that can drive long-term success and regional economic growth.
Monica Davis, president of the African American Entrepreneurs Association, emphasized the importance of events like iGniteBIZ in breaking down the barriers that many entrepreneurs face. “One of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs is access to networks and resources,” she said. “iGniteBIZ opens doors, helping entrepreneurs connect and collaborate in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.”
Keynote Speakers Share Valuable Insights
The keynote speakers at iGniteBIZ were another major draw for attendees. Dr. Kenneth Harris, an experienced entrepreneur and author of The Business Blueprint, delivered the first address. Harris focused on the crucial elements of long-term business success, including resilience and adaptability. “Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a sprint,” he told the audience. “It requires grit and the ability to learn and pivot along the way.”
Carla Williams, CEO of a rapidly growing tech startup, was the second keynote speaker. She shared her insights on how modern technology can be leveraged to scale a business. “In today’s market, you need a strong digital presence,” Williams stated. “Whether it’s social media or e-commerce platforms, the opportunities for business growth are endless if you know how to harness the power of technology.”
Both speakers highlighted the significance of community and collaboration in entrepreneurship, encouraging attendees to use the iGniteBIZ event as a launchpad for valuable partnerships and alliances.
Networking Opportunities Drive Entrepreneurial Growth
Beyond the speeches, iGniteBIZ offered attendees multiple opportunities to network and expand their professional connections. From interactive sessions and roundtable discussions to one-on-one meetings with investors and mentors, the event created a fertile ground for new collaborations and business ventures.
A notable feature of the event was the exclusive “Business Showcase,” where local businesses were given the opportunity to display their products and services to a wider audience. This unique opportunity allowed small business owners to generate new leads and increase visibility within their communities.
Gerald Johnson, a local entrepreneur who owns a landscaping business in Palm Coast, highlighted the importance of these networking opportunities. “I’ve made connections at events like this that have directly led to new partnerships and business growth,” Johnson said. “The connections are invaluable, and they go beyond just exchanging business cards.”
In addition to the Business Showcase, breakout sessions focused on critical topics like securing funding, building a diverse workforce, and overcoming common entrepreneurial challenges. Led by industry experts, these sessions provided practical advice that participants could immediately apply to their businesses.
Empowering Local Economic Development
iGniteBIZ is not just about helping individual businesses succeed—it is also a catalyst for broader economic growth in Palm Coast. Events like this are playing a key role in strengthening the local economy by empowering minority entrepreneurs to expand and thrive.
Minority-owned businesses are increasingly recognized for their role in driving the U.S. economy. However, challenges such as limited access to capital and mentorship still hinder many entrepreneurs. Monica Davis explained that events like iGniteBIZ are essential in addressing these barriers. “It’s about creating real opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive, which ultimately benefits the entire community,” she said.
As Palm Coast continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, initiatives like iGniteBIZ are helping to pave the way for more successful businesses and a more resilient economy.
Looking Toward the Future
The success of this year’s event has left organizers looking toward expanding iGniteBIZ in the coming years. Plans are already in the works to bring the event to other cities across Florida and possibly beyond.
“We want iGniteBIZ to become a national movement,” said Monica Davis. “It’s about creating a culture of entrepreneurship that empowers people and strengthens our communities for generations to come.”
For now, though, Palm Coast is reaping the benefits of a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. The connections made at iGniteBIZ will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and development of local businesses, with lasting effects on both the regional economy and the broader business landscape.