2nd Annual Direct Connect

Direct Connect will take place on February 27, 2026, at the Jim Moran Institute from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This two-hour event will feature a brief opening program followed by structured networking sessions designed to foster meaningful one-on-one interactions between participants.

General contractors, officials from Leon County Schools Construction, the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, and other public and private entities seeking minority participation will lead the discussion. Attendees will receive an overview of upcoming projects in the region, along with insight into the specific vendors and trades these agencies and contractors are seeking as partners. This event represents a unique opportunity to bring multiple projects, decision-makers, and business opportunities together under one roof and within a single forum.

To ensure maximum value for all participants, attending businesses are expected to come prepared to present information about their areas of expertise, business capacity, and relevant certifications. Businesses are also encouraged to bring references, portfolios, or visual examples of their work to share with potential partners.

Our goal is to build a strong and reliable database of business connections, enabling us to facilitate informed, strategic partnerships when new opportunities arise for general contractors to engage small and minority-owned businesses.

During the event, general contractors will also discuss both upcoming and completed projects, offering valuable insights into potential collaboration opportunities. These discussions will help smaller businesses better understand how to position themselves competitively for future projects and build the infrastructure necessary for participation. Additionally, with support from the Office of Economic Vitality (OEV), capacity-building resources will be highlighted to further support business growth and readiness.

We are deeply grateful to the construction companies that have supported the Black Business Expo through their generous contributions, which make it possible to award grants to participating businesses each year. In 2026, we are proud to announce that we will surpass $65,000 in total grants awarded during the 5th Annual Black Business Expo Tallahassee—a significant milestone that reflects the strength of our community partnerships.

We look forward to your participation in this impactful event and to continuing our collective efforts to create meaningful connections and sustainable growth opportunities throughout our community.

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