Member Spotlight: BizLINC - Rebuilding Community Wealth in Lake Wales
Located in the heart of Lake Wales, Florida, BizLINC is a business incubator with a bold mission: to empower historically underserved entrepreneurs and revitalize a community long overlooked. Founded in 2016, BizLINC is more than a support center, it’s a movement rooted in equity, resilience, and local pride.
A Community-Driven Vision
BizLINC was born from a shared vision among city leaders, community advocates, and local stakeholders who recognized the economic disparities in Lake Wales’ Northwest neighborhood, a historically Black community shaped by decades of disinvestment. With a $1.2 million investment from the City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA), BizLINC was established to support local entrepreneurs, becoming a platform for rebuilding wealth and restoring economic dignity in a long-overlooked neighborhood.
Led by Derrick Blue, BizLINC provides culturally competent business coaching, affordable office space, and strategic resources tailored to the needs of minority and working-class entrepreneurs. The organization serves more than 40 active clients, supporting startups in retail, food service, construction, personal care, and nonprofit sectors.
From Challenge to Catalyst
Like many grassroots initiatives, BizLINC faced early skepticism. But instead of retreating, the team leaned in and doubled down on outreach, listening to community needs and staying grounded in their mission. That perseverance paid off. Today, BizLINC is a trusted hub for entrepreneurship and a model for inclusive economic development in smaller cities.
One standout success story is Aaliyah Williford, a 24-year-old contractor who transformed her business through BizLINC’s coaching. With newfound confidence in pricing and marketing, Aaliyah expanded her operations, hired staff, and now serves clients beyond Lake Wales—proof that local businesses can scale with the right support.
Innovation Rooted in Reality
BizLINC is unique in its deeply local focus and community-driven approach. The organization is rooted in Lake Wales’s Northwest neighborhood, which is an area with a rich history but also a long tradition of being economically underserved. Such a local grounding allows BizLINC to tailor services specifically to the needs, cultures, and challenges of entrepreneurs in the community, providing them with practical support that achieves growth.
BizLINC is also evolving with the times. Recognizing the rise of AI and digital tools, the team has integrated technology education into its programs to help entrepreneurs stay competitive by improving efficiency, better reaching customers, and scaling their operations without overwhelming costs. They have also adopted hybrid support models so entrepreneurs can access help on their own terms and schedules.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Looking ahead, BizLINC is excited to help revitalize the historic Lincoln Avenue Corridor, which is rich with history and culture. This section of town was once the heart of the Chitlin’ Circuit, where legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, BB King, and many others performed, bringing the community together. Now, BizLINC is bringing new life and opportunity back to this historic area through entrepreneurship and local business growth, all while preserving the legacy and vibrant culture.
As Derrick Blue puts it, “We’re not just building businesses - we’re rebuilding a community and honoring its rich heritage.”
A Message to Fellow Changemakers
For those looking to launch similar initiatives, Derrick offers this advice: “Be prepared for a good fight—but know it’s a fight worth every ounce of energy and passion you bring. Stay deeply connected to the people you serve. Build a team that shares your vision and your commitment to lifting others up, because you can’t do it alone. Be flexible and willing to evolve. Most importantly, remember why you started. The work is hard, but it is sacred.”
Powered by Connection
BizLINC’s journey has been strengthened by its InBIA membership. From valuable insights gleaned at the annual conference to the sense of belonging among like-minded peers, InBIA has been a source of encouragement and growth. “Being connected to thousands of like-minded organizations around the world reminded us that we’re part of a larger movement dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and building stronger communities,” said Blue.
BizLINC reminds us that when entrepreneurship is rooted in community, it becomes a powerful force for transformation. And in Lake Wales, that transformation is just getting started.