Ayanna Khan, Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, spoke about the group and what prompted her to start it in September of 2020.  we began with a discussion on the benfits of local Chambers, from networking to shared opportunities.   From there we discussed the Delware Black Chamber of Commerce and its work with Black and brown owned businesses, businesses that often miss out on funding, loans and contracts.  Noting the higher rate of Black and other minority businesses failing during the shutdown, Ms Khan described the impetus for DEBCC – the number of businesses that did not apply or receive COVID Smal Business loans and payroll protection funds, either through lack of awareness or not having the resources to complete the applications.   The DEBCC offers information and resources, works to remove inherent biases in loans and hiring, and create strategic partnerships with financial, community and educational institutions.

Ms Khan also gave us the news that this September funding has been provided for a new program, the Interise StreetWise ‘MBA’ Education Curriculum for Small Business Growth and Expansion.  This program will take selected candidates through all aspects of business planning through interactive class sessions; peer mentoring groups; and the opportunity to learn from local experts in the fields of finance, marketing, and procurement. Participants will complete the program with a customized, three-year strategic growth plan.

DEBCC works to ensure that minority and other disadvantaged entrepreneurs are not left behind due to a lack of support to help them achieve success. DEBCC provides the necessary assistance and support systems to ensure that minority-owned businesses advance their ecomomic footprint across Delaware. DEBCC serves as a vital hub for connecting minority-owned business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources needed to assist them in growing their enterprise and creating new economic opportunities and job growth all throughout the First State. Importantly, DEBCC is an all inclusive Chamber, dedicated to economic advancement and equality for all.

Learn ,pore about the Delaware Back Chamber of Commerce online.