CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Island TV
Black-Owned Media Company Acquires New Building and Expands Reach with BBIF's Support
Island TV, under Fatima Group, led by President and CEO Fred Béliard and CFO Tamara B. Rodriguez, is a South Florida-based television network dedicated to serving Caribbean communities. With programming in English, Haitian-Creole, and French, it offers diverse content, including news, entertainment, and cultural events, focusing on stories from the Haitian and Caribbean communities.
DEMOGRAPHIC
Black-Owned
LOCATION
Miami, Florida
LOAN PROGRAM
General
THE CHALLENGE
Island TV's Expansion Dream Meets Financial Roadblocks
Island TV's aspiration to grow and better serve the Caribbean diaspora faced significant challenges, especially in securing funding for expansion. Traditional financial institutions were reluctant to invest, creating a roadblock in the network’s path to enhance its reach and impact within the African diaspora.
THE SOLUTION
BBIF's Holistic Approach In Action
The Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) recognized Island TV’s potential and their shared vision of empowering minority communities. Unlike traditional banks, BBIF provided not just financial support but also a partnership. They offered a holistic approach, focusing on Island TV’s unique needs and their role as a community pillar, and provided the much-needed capital for Island TV to purchase and renovate a new facility. Discover the full story of Island TV's journey: Watch our exclusive video here.
The day we connected with BBIF, it felt as if the stars aligned. Working with their team was a pleasure, they are so passionate about helping. When there were times that I needed clarification, they were always a phone call away.
Tamara B. Rodriguez
Chief Financial Officer, Island TV
THE IMPACT
Island TV Enters a New Era with Enhanced Caribbean Reach
The support from BBIF was transformative. Island TV’s acquisition of a new, state-of-the-art studio marked a significant advancement in its capacity to produce high-quality, diverse programming. This expansion will enable Island TV to further its mission as a dynamic platform for Caribbean communities, enhancing its production quality, broadening its programming, and reaching a broader audience in the African diaspora.
BBIF’s backing was more than financial; it was an endorsement of Island TV’s mission to inform, entertain, and empower Caribbean communities. This partnership allowed Island TV to extend its influence, solidifying its status as an essential connector for Caribbean audiences globally.
