In a move to bolster Black-owned businesses in Arizona, the Black Chamber of Arizona, in partnership with the City of Chandler, has announced a free event to celebrate National Black Business Month. Scheduled for Aug. 1, the inaugural National Black Business Month Summit will take place at Chandler's Center for the Arts, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit is set to highlight the achievements of Black entrepreneurs and offer key resources to support small business development and success.
According to the official announcement, this public event features interactive workshops, a live panel discussion, and a vendor marketplace, along with complimentary meals for attendees. The City of Chandler will also use the event to collect key data to better understand the needs of the local small business community. The initiative aims to both support and directly engage with small businesses to inform the development of more effective infrastructure and services.
Dr. Velma Trayham, President & CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, told the City of Chandler, "Black-owned businesses are essential to Arizona’s economic vitality and cultural strength." She added, "This summit is a strategic gathering to empower our entrepreneurs, create pathways for wealth generation, and create lasting systems of support." Dr. Trayham's comments emphasize the importance of community and targeted resources in fostering a thriving business environment for Black entrepreneurs.
In line with these objectives, Chandler DEI Officer Niki Tapia highlighted the summit’s importance for community involvement. According to the City of Chandler, she said, "This summit is about connecting with our business community, learning from their experiences, and working together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all who do business in Chandler." Known as a "Community of Innovation," the city is using these efforts to encourage more inclusive growth and maintain its vibrant economic culture.
National Black Business Month is a key opportunity to acknowledge more than 161,000 Black-owned businesses across the United States, including a notable number in Arizona. Those interested in participating in the upcoming summit can find registration details and more information on the Black Chamber of Arizona’s website. The Black Chamber of Arizona remains dedicated to its mission of providing education, expanding access to capital, and promoting workforce diversity, supporting over 1,200 business owners throughout the state in efforts to close the racial wealth gap.
