The Florida Black Business Investment Board, Inc. was created in 1985 as a catalyst for the development of competitive black-owned businesses in the State of Florida. FBBIB has created thousands of jobs and assisted hundreds of black-owned businesses through loans, loan guarantees, joint ventures, and limited partnerships. State financing has been matched by local financial institutional investors that support the eight regional investment corporations strategically located throughout Florida.

Tremendous population and business growth have occurred in the State of Florida since 1985. The sheer size and scope of its task have forced a structural change of FBBIB. Moreover, the mission has evolved. In response to current social and economic developments, FBBIB has a new focus. Critical elements of our mission are:

• Innovation Start-up businesses create entirely new product categories, shake up the competitive landscape, and lay the groundwork for explosive economic growth opportunities. Even in established industries, the strongest driver of corporate performance is innovation.
  
  
• Job Creation New firms are the dominant source of net job growth. Businesses likely to drive the economy 25 years from now will not come from large established companies, but rather from the efforts of entrepreneurs starting companies today.
  
  
• Self-sustaining Enterprise Minority groups are experiencing higher rates of population growth than whites, representing a significant potential source of funds to the state economy through future tax revenues. As business owners, employees and consumers, minorities can be a powerful positive force in shaping Florida's economic future.