Businesses Start Here

We Build the Systems Behind Strong Businesses and Thriving Communities

Meet The Leadership

What's Been Missing?

For too long, support for Black-owned businesses has been fragmented well-intentioned, but siloed.

  • Entrepreneurs navigate multiple agencies alone.
  • Programs operate without alignment.
  • Investment moves, but coordination lags.
The issue is not effort. It is system design.

WHO WE ARE

Our Role

We do not replace the work of business-serving organizations. We aim to strengthen our collective impact.

Because when systems align, businesses grow and communities stabilize.

 
  • We convene partners.
  • We align strategy.
  • We connect data and narrative.
  • We reduce fragmentation.
OUR VISION
Connected communities unlocking inclusive economic mobility for all.
OUR MISSION
To align organizations, data, policy and leadership into a coordinated ecosystem that strengthens Black businesses and the neighborhoods they anchor.

Our Priorities

Our Strategic Focus

Community Mobilization

Mobilize leaders, partners, and residents to coordinate solutions and build a culture of collective action.

Data & Shared Community Narrative
Build a shared, community‑centered data and narrative strategy that guides investment and ecosystem coordination.
Community Revitalization through Entrepreneurship
Promote community revitalization by fostering entrepreneurship in historic  business corridors that are anchored in local growth.

WHAT WE DO

How We Put Collaboration Into Practice

Signature Engagements

  • Exchange Labs

Structured working sessions aligning ecosystem partners around shared data and coordinated action.

  • Reimagine the Block Corridor Engagements

Place-based strategy sessions focused on protecting culture, strengthening businesses, and building ownership.

  • The Cities of Inclusive Leadership Exchange

Curated executive learning experience advancing cross- sector leadership and coordinated strategy.

  • The Village Institute

Our leadership hub for leadership development sessions building a pipeline of agents and advocates.

  • Community Exchange

A shared platform connecting Black-owned businesses to capital, trusted resources, and partner support—so businesses can grow, hire, and thrive.

  • Legacy Lives Here Luncheon

A community gathering that celebrates Black leadership and fuels collective giving—investing in long-term wealth and neighborhood ownership.

OUR PEOPLE

Leadership That Serves the Work

Strong ecosystems require strong stewards. Our leadership reflects
the community we serve and the future we are building.

Meet Our Leadership

When Black Businesses Thrive,

Communities Thrive.

Join Our Community
Invest in the Work

Rosene Johnson

Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement

Introducing Rosene Johnson – a beacon of innovation, energy, and leadership in the world of nonprofit business. As a distinguished C-suite executive, Rosene’s passion lies in nurturing strong communities and enhancing the lives of girls, children, and individuals with disabilities. Her dynamic approach and unwavering commitment have not only shaped her career but have also made a tangible difference in the world around her.
Rosene’s journey is marked by significant achievements and accolades, including the prestigious recognition by the Orlando Business Journal as a Top 40 under 40 business leader.

Her illustrious career is highlighted by her remarkable ability to spearhead corporate social engagement initiatives, develop and execute impactful grant and revenue strategies that have secured over $10 million in funding and strategic partnerships.

A fervent advocate for children’s rights, Rosene has worked closely with local and state government officials to drive public policy changes that benefit communities at large. Her leadership was instrumental in the seamless transition of a 4,000-square foot facility into a state-of-the-art 15,000-square foot center for individuals with disabilities, amassing over $2,000,000 in community support. Moreover, her expertise and dedication were recognized at the state level with a gubernatorial appointment to Michigan’s Early Education and Investment Committee.
Rosene’s academic contributions as a faculty member at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University have been pivotal in shaping future leaders. Her work in developing curriculum and programs in child development, leadership, and inclusion has left a lasting impact on the educational landscape. Additionally, her role as a program consultant with esteemed institutions such as the University of Michigan and Scholastic Inc. further underscores her versatile and impactful career.
As a published author and researcher in the child development field, Rosene’s insights and findings have contributed significantly to the body of knowledge in the sector. Her expertise and leadership have been recognized at the highest levels, with a notable appointment by Florida Governor Rick Scott to the Valencia College Board of Trustees, a testament to her influence and impact.
Rosene’s dedication to making a difference has been acknowledged by several prestigious platforms, including being named one of the “10 People that Make Orlando a Better Place” by the Orlando Sentinel, one of Orlando Family Magazine’s Super Women, and one of Orlando’s Women of the Year by Orange Appeal magazine and the African American Women’s History Month Project.
With a track record of leading national programs, multi-site organizations, and private non-profits across the United States, Rosene now embarks on a new journey as the Founder and CEO of Your Grant BFF. This consulting firm is Rosene’s latest venture in her mission to assist businesses and non-profit organizations in amplifying their outcomes for enhanced funding and community impact.
Rosene Johnson is not just a leader; she is a visionary whose work transcends the boundaries of business and touches the lives of many. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and profound impact, making her a true inspiration for leaders everywhere.

Linda Engram

Chief of Staff

Meet Linda – the systems expert with a passion for transforming chaos into clarity. With a career forged in the trenches of C-level executive support and over 15 years of operations management, she’s mastered the art of scaling businesses without the growing pains.
Linda’s superpower? Taking the complex world of business operations and making it surprisingly simple. She steps in as a Operations and Project Manager for growing businesses, bringing the perfect blend of strategic thinking and practical, roll-up-your-sleeves implementation that growing teams need.
Armed with a BS in Business Administration and a specialization in Project Management, Linda’s not your typical consultant. She’s the operations partner who actually gets things done, turning “someday” goals into “done” realities.
As a mom of three and avid traveler, Linda believes in creating systems that give you back your time. Whether she’s exploring new countries or transforming business operations, she brings that same spirit of adventure and precision to everything she does. Because if there’s one thing she believes, it’s that good systems create more time for what matters – in business and in life.
Fun fact: She once created a project management system for planning her family beach vacation that worked so well, three other families asked to use it. Yes, she really does bring operations strategy to everything she does
 

Loren Fowler

Director of Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement

Loren Fowler is a dedicated education and nonprofit professional with over a decade of experience in program development, community engagement, and youth advocacy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law Humanities from Michigan State University and earned her MBA with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership from New England College.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Loren began her service journey with AmeriCorps in Jacksonville, Florida, where she developed a strong passion for grassroots community involvement and civic engagement.
Throughout her career, Loren has focused on building strategic community partnerships, leading collaborative initiatives, recruiting and mentoring youth, and designing impactful educational curricula for high school students. Her work is deeply rooted in expanding access and opportunity for underserved populations, particularly those navigating pathways to higher education.
An alumna of both the ATHENA Leadership Program and the Women on the Rise Organization, Loren is a passionate advocate for empowering women and emerging leaders within her community. She currently serves on the committee for the Cloud Family Foundation and is a board member of the Early Risers Foundation—two organizations committed to providing educational resources and support to youth and families.
Loren is also a proud participant in the City of Orlando’s 25th Mayor’s Academy, a civic leadership program aimed at empowering residents to take active roles in shaping their communities.
With a deep commitment to equity, leadership, and service, Loren Fowler continues to be a strong advocate for transformative change through education and nonprofit work.
 

Brandon U. Johnson

Director of Policy & Advocacy

Brandon U. Johnson, a native of Gainesville, Florida, began his journey of service and advocacy during his upbringing. He pursued his academic passions at Florida A&M University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations in 2018. With a fervent desire to effect change, Brandon embarked on a career in Government Affairs, focusing on advancing the interests of the Nonprofit Sector across various levels of governance. His advocacy spans from local municipalities to Capitol Hill, amplifying the voices of communities across Florida.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Brandon is deeply committed to community engagement and leadership. As a member of the Winter Park (FL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Brandon continues to champion the values of service, leadership, and achievement. His commitment to integrating values of compassion and justice into every aspect of his life underscores his holistic approach to leadership. Through his unwavering dedication and multifaceted contributions, Brandon U. Johnson inspires others to join him in shaping a more equitable and compassionate community.
Above all else, Brandon remains steadfast in his calling to ministry and to preaching the Gospel. He is a licensed Minister in the Church of God in Christ and serves faithfully at the Christian Worship Center COGIC in Leesburg, Florida. With over a decade of experience in preaching, Brandon is committed to merging the worlds of social action and ministry—ensuring that advocacy is rooted in faith, and that his ministry reflects the heart of service.

Delroy Waugh II

Director of Community Leadership Development

Delroy Waugh II helps people and teams get to the next level—with intention, heart, and a little bit of rhythm. As the founder of Ramp Up, he focuses on making leadership, culture, and talent development more human and less corporate. His work spans everything from designing community leadership programs to coaching teams through tough transitions. With roots in recruiting and a passion for building spaces where people can show up fully, Delroy brings his signature “people first, results second” approach to the Enterprising Black Orlando team—because growth should feel as good as it looks.
Beyond Ramp Up, Delroy leads Stompin’ Grounds, a fast-growing volleyball nonprofit dedicated to community, wellness, and play, and serves on the Board of Directors for Waste Knot Orlando, a sustainability-focused organization working to reduce food waste and strengthen local food systems. He holds an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and a B.A. in Organizational Leadership, combining business strategy with behavioral insight to help people and organizations thrive.

Jon Frazier

President & CEO

Meet Jon Frazier, a results-driven CRM consultant with a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in customer service, marketing, and sales. A proud alumnus of Florida A&M University (FAMU), Jon combines his academic knowledge with a passion for fostering meaningful connections in his community. Jon’s foundation is built on core values of love, respect, and growth, which he brings into every professional relationship. Hailing from Orlando, Florida, he is deeply committed to the success of local small businesses. By leveraging his extensive background, Jon offers strategic guidance and tailored support, empowering these businesses to flourish in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Candice Simmons

President & CEO

Candice Simmons is Founder and CEO of Enterprising Black Orlando (EBO), a mission-driven organization that aims to accelerate Black economic mobility by mobilizing community, capacity, and capital. Drawing on 27+ years in financial services and nonprofit leadership, she designs and scales programs that expand access to capital, strengthen business capacity, and create pathways to generational wealth for Black entrepreneurs and communities across Central Florida.

Before launching EBO, Candice held senior leadership roles at Wells Fargo, including Vice President, Senior Strategic Initiatives Consultant in the Foundation’s COO office and Senior Community Relations Consultant for the Orlando MSA. At Wells Fargo she led the Nonprofit Leadership Institute with Boston College, developed enterprise equity governance, helped secure an outstanding OCC CRA rating for the Orlando MSA, and served as lead senior advisor in creating the regional Enterprising Black Orlando Impact Fund while in her role at Wells Fargo. Her corporate work spans leadership development, financial retail banking, impact investing strategy, CRA-compliant community development, and cross-sector partnership building.

As CEO of Enterprising Black Orlando, Candice will leverage her diverse expertise to convene partners across philanthropy, government, and the private sector to co-design an ecosystem to foster local small business growth. Enterprising Black Orlando (EBO) advances the vision of connected communities unlocking inclusive economic mobility for all by serving as the community quarterback, aligning organizations, data, policy, and leadership to strengthen Black-owned businesses and their neighborhoods. Its work centers on three pillars: community mobilization (building coalitions and shared giving), shared data & narrative (community-centered data to guide investment and policy), and community revitalization through entrepreneurship (equitable corridor revitalization, capital pathways, and ownership preservation).

She also serves as Managing Partner of Lead Well Solutions which delivers the L.E.A.D. Well Framework—workshops, coaching, and practical tools to strengthen self-, team-, and organizational leadership. A Pensacola native and University of West Florida graduate, Candice served on multiple boards including Hope Partnership and BBIF Capital committees, African American Chamber of Commerce and the Orange County Housing Taskforce and remains focused on measurable, community-centered results that advance racial and economic equity.