[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING NICK AIKEN, JR., DURING NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK

  (Mr. FROST asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the rich history and 
unwavering resilience of Black small business owners during National 
Entrepreneurship Week.
  Mr. Speaker, 17 percent of Black-owned firms are family run, 
providing jobs for over 160,000 Americans. In my district, my 
constituent Nick Aiken, Jr., owns and operates Nikki's Place with his 
family in the vibrant community of Parramore in Orlando.
  For 25 years, Nikki's Place has been a hub for warm service and 
authentic and delicious soul food. Nonetheless, like so many small and 
minority-owned businesses, they have faced countless hurdles, 
specifically in securing affordable financing.
  All Nick, his family, and their 12 employees want to do is to 
continue to contribute to the vibrant culture of Orlando and what makes 
Orlando beautiful.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to work with me and ensure that we 
invest in small businesses like Nikki's Place to ensure they receive 
the investment and support they need to continue making amazing and 
beautiful communities like mine thrive.

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