One SouthCoast Chamber’s Post

A spotlight on: Lowri Evans from Grŵp Cynefin This summer, we're celebrating the people who make the sector so special. We asked Lowri 5 questions about her role and experience in housing. Read our bilingual blog post here: https://bit.ly/3yji4iY #SectorSpotlight #BlogPost #WelshHousing #SocialHousing #BestPractice

The partnership between Zions Bank and the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving economic growth and inclusion. Through this strong relationship, the Chamber has effectively connected its members to critical resources, including Zions Bank's Business Resource Center, significantly increasing its utilization. This partnership has yielded remarkable results, with 100% of the Utah Black Chamber members referred to Zions Bank for SBA loans over the past year receiving approval. Zions Bank has been an invaluable ally in supporting the Chamber's mission to create opportunities for Black-owned businesses to thrive. Together, we empower entrepreneurs, foster financial literacy, and strengthen Utah's economic ecosystem, ensuring that diversity is celebrated and prioritized in business growth and community development. Picture: Diverse Chambers of Commerce Meet with Zions Bank President to Strengthen Economic Impact

The SBC Equity Element Group website launches on January 1st. It features videos of the task force members, including Terrance Stone, a Black business directory, a Community Calendar, a career/jobs link to more than 55 government job sites, links to dozens of community resources, and much more… https://lnkd.in/gii8YQvp

Happy #BlackBusinessMonth! From conglomerates like World Wide Technology, which boasts $17 billion in revenue and 10,000 employees, to corner stores like a mom-and-pop outfit filling a niche, Black-owned businesses play vital roles in our community. That’s been true since the 1840s, when E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. began transporting runaway slaves; now the Columbus, Ohio-based firm is a multimillion-dollar company and the country’s oldest continuously Black-owned business. These entities historically have struggled to acquire financing and they continue to face obstacles: 47% of Black business owners who apply for a loan are denied. That’s why it’s important to strengthen organizations like the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council, as well as local Chambers of Commerce in the District, Northern Virginia, and Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. They provide support and critical resources to help Black businesses thrive … in August and all year long! #supportblackownedbusinesses #diversebusinesses

When you support Black-owned businesses, you’re fueling the "Multiplier Effect" — an economic cycle that keeps money within the community, creates local jobs, funds essential services, and builds generational wealth. Every purchase you make helps uplift Black communities, making them healthier and more resilient for generations to come. 🌱✨ Support a Black-owned business today and watch the impact ripple throughout our communities! Together, we can create a prosperous future. #SmallBusinessSaturday #SupportBlackBusiness #MultiplierEffect #TPF

Reinvesting our success has been fundamental to Redbrick’s strategy.  Our Chief People Officer, Christine Tatham, explains how “It allows us to attract people who want more than just a job, they want purpose.” Leaving a positive impact on our community, our people and our planet is always top of mind. We talk more about what B Corp means to Redbrick at the link below. B Lab #bcorp #bcorpcertified

The SBC Equity Element Group website launches on January 1st. It features videos of the task force members, including Terrance Stone, a Black business directory, a Community Calendar, and more… https://lnkd.in/gii8YQvp

Our proposed SXSW panel, "Do-Good Banks: Transforming Black Communities with Impact," will shine a spotlight on the crucial role community development banks play in driving economic growth and social change in underserved communities. We are proud to highlight the impactful relationships that Sunrise Banks and Southern Bancorp have forged with social entrepreneurs, working together to create meaningful change in Black communities. SXSW (South by Southwest) is one of the most influential conferences and festivals in the world, held annually in Austin, Texas. It brings together thought leaders, innovators, and creative professionals from various industries to share ideas, showcase new initiatives, and explore the future of technology, culture, and more. This global event attracts thousands of attendees, offering a platform to reach a diverse and engaged audience. The panel will feature inspiring speakers, including: - Lorenzo P. Lewis, Founder and CEO of The Confess Project , which uses mental health awareness and advocacy to empower Black communities. In collaboration with Southern Bancorp. - Devean George, Former NBA champion and CEO of George North Group, who is leveraging his platform to create affordable housing and economic opportunities in underserved areas. In collaboration with Sunrise Banks. Create an account and vote here: https://lnkd.in/dDUARjUd We're excited about this opportunity to share these stories at SXSW 2025, and we need your support! Please take a moment to vote for our panel and help us amplify these voices of change. Voting ends on August 18th. #SXSW2025 #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #SocialImpact #DoGoodBanks

While many applicants seek credit to expand their business, not all businesses experience the same outcomes in accessing credit. Results from the 2022 SBCS revealed that startup firms owned by people of color were significantly less likely than white-owned start-ups to receive funding through financial institutions or lenders, despite being likely—and, among nonemployers, more likely—to apply for financing from a lender. Data also reveal that people of color who own startups of color are less likely than their white counterparts to be fully approved for the financing. In this blog by Garvester Kelley, principal community development specialist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and Jennie Blizzard, writer and communications advisor at Fed Communities, explore how data and conversations work together to help inform why Black business owners sometimes hesitate to apply for credit. https://bit.ly/46N8gdQ