Black-owned businesses are American businesses—they create jobs, pay taxes, and contribute to the economic engine
The Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a distinguished business delegation at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, bringing together national and state leaders to highlight the vital role small businesses play in strengthening America’s economy and advancing innovation.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a distinguished business delegation at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, bringing together national and state leaders to highlight the vital role small businesses play in strengthening America’s economy and advancing innovation.
The delegation included Ron Busby, President & CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and Shaheewa Jarrett, Esq., President of the Florida Association of Black Chambers of Commerce.
Their visit underscored the importance of connecting American entrepreneurs with opportunities in one of the nation’s most critical industries—space exploration and aerospace development.
During the visit, participants engaged with leaders and partners across the Space Coast’s aerospace sector and received an inside look at ongoing work supporting NASA’s Artemis missions, which aim to return Americans to the Moon and pave the way for future exploration.
The delegation also participated in a high-level discussion focused on strengthening business pipelines, expanding supplier opportunities, and ensuring that small businesses remain a driving force behind America’s continued global leadership.
“America’s strength has always come from its entrepreneurs,” said Victoria Jones, President & CEO of the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce.
“Black-owned businesses are American businesses—they create jobs, pay taxes, and contribute to the economic engine that keeps this country moving forward. This visit reflects a shared commitment to ensuring those businesses are connected to real opportunities in industries shaping our future.”
“America’s strength has always come from its entrepreneurs,” said Victoria Jones, President & CEO of the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce. “Black-owned businesses are American businesses—they create jobs, pay taxes, and contribute to the economic engine that keeps this country moving forward. This visit reflects a shared commitment to ensuring those businesses are connected to real opportunities in industries shaping our future.”
The Space Coast region continues to serve as a cornerstone of American ingenuity, where public- and private-sector collaboration fuels job creation, economic growth, and technological advancement.
By fostering relationships between local businesses and national leaders, the Chamber is working to ensure that the economic benefits of this growth extend throughout the broader business community.
Following the business delegation’s tour, a panel discussion was held to discuss contracting opportunities in aerospace.
Ron Busby emphasized the importance of engagement at the highest levels of industry, noting that access to major economic drivers like aerospace creates pathways for long-term business success and sustainability.
Shaheewa Jarrett added that strategic partnerships across Florida are essential to strengthening the state’s business ecosystem and reinforcing its role as a national leader in innovation.
The Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting business growth, expanding access to emerging industries, and championing the principles of entrepreneurship, free enterprise, and economic opportunity for all.
For more information about the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce and its initiatives, visit SpaceCoastBlackChamber.com.
