Throughout Black History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the contributions and achievements of African Americans.We’re highlighting Black-owned businesses in our communities. These enterprises, driven by passion and dedication, are joining together to network. Coming Together: Project CommUNITYEvery Friday morning, at the old Wellington Mall, a group of entrepreneurs work together to build their community while building each other up.They’re called the Building US Network, or BUN for short.“We have been able to get to know each other and build genuine relationships, because, at the end of the day, referrals are our driving force for our businesses,” Tracey Horton Rosario said.Horton Rosario owns Sharp Elite Nutrition and is now on the BUN board. She was one of the first members to join BUN when it started in 2020.“We need a group of people that are going to genuinely help each other grow. And we’ve been doing that ever since. So, it came about at a time least expected. And it has grown so much so I guess, thank you, COVID!” Horton Rosario said.BUN started out with three businessowners, including founder Sabrina G. Valbrun, who owns home repair company CERT Restoration.Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 NewsSince then, they’ve grown to 30 businessowners, sharing tips and knowledge that usually comes with a price tag.“Most don’t have the education that they need just because they can’t afford it. If I can, I can take that and bring it back to my community, all those resources and bring it back and help them get back on their feet,” Valbrun said.Even veteran business owners, like Jhonny D. Pierre, said BUN has helped them overcome the unique challenges of being black and in business. Pierre owns three businesses, including Shine Brightly Master and Credible Health Home Care. He joined BUN in 2023.“A lot of time your face could be a little, you know, not in your advantage. But when you have more exposure, it’s better for you because it helps you to, you know, go over that hump without much effort,” Pierre said.However, members of BUN believe the group’s impact is about more than just business and the bottom line.“I believe that there’s a lot of competition, especially within the Black community. And our goal is to eliminate that we believe in collaboration. And that is very important to us. Because if we have three people in the same industry, there is no need to compete. We can come together,” Horton Rosario said.If you’re interested in joining the Building US Network, the group meets every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the old Wellington Mall.Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.
Throughout Black History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the contributions and achievements of African Americans.
We’re highlighting Black-owned businesses in our communities. These enterprises, driven by passion and dedication, are joining together to network.
Coming Together: Project CommUNITY
Every Friday morning, at the old Wellington Mall, a group of entrepreneurs work together to build their community while building each other up.
They’re called the Building US Network, or BUN for short.
“We have been able to get to know each other and build genuine relationships, because, at the end of the day, referrals are our driving force for our businesses,” Tracey Horton Rosario said.
Horton Rosario owns Sharp Elite Nutrition and is now on the BUN board. She was one of the first members to join BUN when it started in 2020.
“We need a group of people that are going to genuinely help each other grow. And we’ve been doing that ever since. So, it came about at a time least expected. And it has grown so much so I guess, thank you, COVID!” Horton Rosario said.
BUN started out with three businessowners, including founder Sabrina G. Valbrun, who owns home repair company CERT Restoration.
Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 News
Since then, they’ve grown to 30 businessowners, sharing tips and knowledge that usually comes with a price tag.
“Most don’t have the education that they need just because they can’t afford it. If I can, I can take that and bring it back to my community, all those resources and bring it back and help them get back on their feet,” Valbrun said.
Even veteran business owners, like Jhonny D. Pierre, said BUN has helped them overcome the unique challenges of being black and in business. Pierre owns three businesses, including Shine Brightly Master and Credible Health Home Care. He joined BUN in 2023.
“A lot of [the] time your face could be a little, you know, not in your advantage. But when you have more exposure, it’s better for you because it helps you to, you know, go over that hump without much effort,” Pierre said.
However, members of BUN believe the group’s impact is about more than just business and the bottom line.
“I believe that there’s a lot of competition, especially within the Black community. And our goal is to eliminate that we believe in collaboration. And that is very important to us. Because if we have three people in the same industry, there is no need to compete. We can come together,” Horton Rosario said.
If you’re interested in joining the Building US Network, the group meets every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the old Wellington Mall.
Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.
