About the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce
by Gina L. Kinchlow, MBA
BBMC FOUNDER Sean Pittman
The Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce was organized in November of 2012 in response to the looming gap in economic opportunities for minority-owned and woman-owned businesses in Tallahassee and the four contiguous counties. These businesses are largely un-networked, lacking in reliable advocacy, and in dire need of assistance that will connect them to wealth-building opportunities. With a mission to stimulate grassroots economic growth and development for minority and women business enterprises, the BBMC has designed a three-point strategy that collectively addresses key areas of need.
ADVOCACY: BBMC leaders speak on behalf of the membership on city, county, state and national levels. They do this by serving on key decision-making committees that impact the business community. They maintain a presence and influence on Florida’s legislative community and support political leaders whose platforms address the concerns of minority and women business enterprises. By participating in activities that provide a platform for the BBMC message to be heard, this opens doors of opportunity for BBMC members.
EDUCATION & INFORMATION: Research shows that successful business owners strategically stay connected to knowledge sources and information that make it possible for them to run up-to-date enterprises. The BBMC provides it members with a year-round menu of industry-specific guest lectures, workshops, symposia, networking exchanges, online resources, and a library of data and information that addresses all aspects of business ownership. Additionally, members gather on a regular basis to share ideas and showcase their goods and services.
NETWORK INTEGRATION & SUPPORT: Capital and connections. The BBMC understands these are two items at the top of the list of needs for most minority and women business owners. Through our partnerships with banks, credit unions, and financial support institutions, we are able to successfully direct our members to varying ranges of capital from short-term, microloans to funding for major capital projects. Hand-in-hand with the capital is the pressing need to connect to business opportunities in both the public and private sectors where minority business owners and women business owners can compete on a level playing field. The BBMC aggressively seeks to ‘match’ its members to lucrative, wealth-building job contracts through matchmaking activities.
