The Quad Cities Chamber is urging business owners and leaders to join its Minority Business Councils to help inform its work in fostering equity and inclusion in the regional economy.
Earlier this year, the chamber launched its Black Business Council and Women’s Business Council. Now, it is adding two more leadership groups: an Immigrant/Refugee Business Council and a LGBTQ+ Business Council.
Each council will gather once a quarter to discuss business challenges and to guide the chamber on how it can be a resource and help all businesses grow. The chamber will also host events and workshops throughout the year based on the needs identified by council members.
“There are three major barriers for minority-owned businesses: access to funding, limited access to knowledge and mentoring, and building support networks,” said Brandy Poston, the chamber’s manager, talent and inclusion.
“The chamber will provide programming so council members can build their business knowledge. That programming will capture access to funding as well as opportunities to build supportive networks,” Ms. Poston said. “While we’ve identified these barriers from a national perspective, we will make space for council members to express challenges that may be more specific to our region. We will also tailor programming to the needs they identify.”
Member and non-member businesses are encouraged to participate. Additional information and a sign up form is available on the Chamber’s website.
