PHILADELPHIA, PA – In continuation of its work to increase economic inclusion, the Chamber is proud to announce the second year of a program which provides small, minority-owned businesses located in the Greater Philadelphia region with access to resources, support, and business connections to grow their enterprises. This work would not be possible without funding provided by the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Wells Fargo’s local community grants support nonprofit organizations aligned with four focus areas: housing access & affordability, financial health, small business & entrepreneurship, and sustainability & climate resilience. Priority is placed on nonprofit programming supporting low- to moderate-income communities, addressing racial and social equity, and accelerating an inclusive economy.

The Chamber’s program will support small business viability, growth, expansion, innovation, and increased productivity, with a priority on Black- and brown-owned small businesses to increase equity in the region’s business community.

“It’s crucial that we make space for diverse entrepreneurs at the Chamber,” said Chellie Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. “We’re proud to partner with Wells Fargo to expand access to the resources and growth opportunities that come with Chamber membership.”

Specifically, the Chamber will provide membership at the Enterprise-level for a full year to at least 25 eligible small, minority-owned businesses, which includes access to marketing and advertising services; networking and exposure opportunities; education and access to thought leadership; advocacy support at the local, regional, and federal level; and more.

“As a beneficiary of this program, the Chamber has enabled me to grow my network, and ultimately allowed me to secure a new contract through the Diverse Procurement Collaborative,” said Aliya Hammond, CEO of Aliya Hammond Consulting and program participant.

“We’re thrilled to continue this important program with the Chamber,” said Stephen Briggs, Vice President of Community Relations. “Helping small businesses persevere during the pandemic and plan for the future has been a major focus for Wells Fargo. We’re glad to continue fostering an inclusive recovery for minority small business owners in the Greater Philadelphia Region as they continue to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.”

The Chamber is committed to ensuring small, diverse businesses are part of our plans for regional growth. Through this program, the Regional Foundation and the Chamber will continue efforts to connect minority entrepreneurs and business owners to opportunity, solutions, and support.

Applicant eligibility includes:

• Small, minority owned business
• Location in the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region (Bucks, Burlington, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Gloucester, Mercer, Montgomery, New Castle, Philadelphia, or Salem Counties)
• At least three years of sales history
• At least $500,000 in gross annual sales revenue
• At least two full-time employees
• Provider of goods, services, technology, capital, or resources to create jobs, wealth, and a predictable rate of return to investors and owners

For more information, contact Laura Williams, Investor Relations and Sponsorship Specialist at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, at lwilliams@chamberphl.com.

About the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia brings area businesses and civic leaders together to promote growth and create opportunity in our region. Our members represent eleven counties, three states, and roughly 600,000 employees from thousands of member companies and organizations. We advocate for regional development, business-friendly public policies, and economic prosperity. And all that we do serves one clear goal: to make Greater Philadelphia a great place for good business. chamberphl.com

Contact: Shannon McLaughlin
smclaughlin@chamberphl.com
(215) 790-3782