How Arrows Committee helps Binghamton's minority, women, veteran-owned businesses thrive:
https://www.pressconnects.com/story/...PS-E-NLETTER11
"A committee of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is working to uplift minority-owned businesses in the Binghamton area.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber’s Minority/Women/Veteran’s Business Enterprise (MWVBE) Committee, known as the Arrows Committee, is co-chaired by Amira Davis, co-owner of D5 Consulting, and Yohance Bailey, co-owner of Blackfern Media.
Here's how the Arrows Committee is making its mark in Broome County.
What is the Arrows Committee?
The committee was founded in September 2022 with a focus on helping and elevating minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses in the Binghamton area.
The committee hosts free one-hour events every other month, some of which feature presentations by guest speakers. Previous speakers have included Ebony Hattoh, Associate Director of Equity and Justice at Binghamton University. Hattoh informed attendees on how to become certified as a minority-owned business.
Speakers have also included members of major banks such as Visions or M&T, as well as leaders from local economic groups.
Davis said that although one person or business may not have what another one needs, bringing many businesses and individuals together can lead to finding the right resources. Bailey said that even in busy months, members find time to attend meetings and help each other, which is important for community building and mutual support.
How the Arrows Committee is helping small businesses
Davis said that her company, which focuses on professional workplace training, benefitted from working alongside the Chamber, and that other businesses could be helped in the same way.
"I found the Chamber a very good conduit for us to be able to connect with other businesses, and I really feel a need to give back," said Davis. "I think it is important for businesses that are minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned to have a seat at the table, because I think a lot of times we don't have that voice."
Events are open to any business or individuals looking to start a business, regardless of Chamber membership. Bailey urged interested parties to attend meetings, saying it is a welcoming and open space and worth the time.
"If you're looking to gain success for yourself, you have to be willing to give when you receive," said Bailey. "Paying it forward is a part of that. With all the blessings and support I have received from the community, I feel like it is part of my purpose to give back."
Through partnership with the Chamber, Bailey had the opportunity to work on State Senator Lea Webb's economic panel.
"I would not have gotten the opportunity if I was not here and a part of this community," said Bailey. "I want business owners to know that sometimes there is a forest behind the trees. Sometimes you have to put yourself out there."
Davis said that when she started her business, she was not aware of any state or federal programs to help minority-business owners. Instead, she found multiple scammers offering to help with minority-owned business certification for exorbitant fees.
"If someone is looking to become a certified minority-owned business, veteran-owned business or women-owned business we can point them in the direction of who they can talk to to get the services that they need and what the benefits are," said Davis. "It took me two and a half years to become a certified minority-owned business, and I did it all by myself."
The Arrows Committee, according to Davis, can help up and coming businesses by offering free resources that would normally take time and effort to find individually.
What's next for the Arrows Committee
At the December meeting, the committee announced that in partnership with the Chamber, it received funding to provide digital readiness courses to its members in 2024.
According to a recent press release from the Chamber, the Arrows Committee plans to continue to host various speakers, offer new networking opportunities and host a MWVBE Expo and Conference in 2024.
For more information, contact Morgan White, Talent Initiatives and Special Projects Manager, at
mwhite@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com"
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