INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders came together in early August at the Chandler Center for the Arts for a celebration kicking off National Black Business Month.

The Black Chamber of Arizona, in partnership with the city of Chandler showcased resources, funding opportunities and educational partnerships aimed at strengthening Arizona’s small business ecosystem, according to a news release.

Representatives from Bank of America, University of Phoenix and Arizona State University joined other organizations to provide tangible support for business owners at all stages of growth.

The Black Chamber of Arizona formally announced its 2025 Community Survey during the event — a statewide effort to identify challenges and growth opportunities for Black-owned and small businesses, and to guide future programming, advocacy and funding.

“We are building an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can thrive regardless of the obstacles they face,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona.

City leaders, including Vice Mayor Christine Ellis and Councilmember O.D. Harris, delivered remarks about how Chandler attempts to foster inclusive entrepreneurship.

The event also highlighted the work of Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division , led by Niki Tapia, which is focused on building pathways to business ownership for historically underrepresented communities.

“Our goal is to ensure every Chandler resident — no matter their background — has access to resources, mentorship and opportunities to start and grow their own business,” Tapia said in the release.

One participant shared that they “don’t feel like I’m building my business alone anymore,” the release stated.

Ellis stated that postsecondary education and specialty training are critical components of the process.

“Our residents’ higher education attainment, including more than 45% with bachelor’s degrees or higher, fuels the thriving culture and success of Black entrepreneurs,” Ellis stated.

For more information or to access the 2025 Community Survey, click here.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.   Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org.