Tag Archives: National Black Business Month

Hundreds Gather at Chandler Center for the Arts to Celebrate Black Business Excellence During National Black Business Month

CHANDLER, Ariz., Aug. 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders came together on Aug.1 at the Chandler Center for the Arts for a high-energy celebration kicking off National Black Business Month, hosted by the Black Chamber of Arizona in partnership with the City of Chandler.

Photo caption: Attendees of National Black Business Month in Chandler, Arizona.

The event showcased key resources, funding opportunities and educational partnerships aimed at strengthening Arizona’s small business ecosystem. 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. “This event shows what’s possible when community, corporations and government come together with a shared commitment to economic equity.”

City leaders including Vice Mayor Christine Ellis and Councilmember OD Harris delivered remarks underscoring Chandler’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship. The event also highlighted the work of Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) 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.

Attendees responded positively to the event, with many saying they finally felt seen, supported and connected. “There’s relief knowing these programs exist,” one participant shared. “I don’t feel like I’m building my business alone anymore.”

Chandler continues to stand out as a hub for entrepreneurial growth, consistently ranking among Arizona’s top cities for startup activity and small business support, according to state and regional data.

“Chandler is proud to foster a welcoming and inclusive business environment where every entrepreneur can access the tools, networks and opportunities they need to succeed. Events like this reinforce why Chandler continues to be a place where innovation and diversity go hand in hand. Our residents’ higher educational attainment, including more than 45 percent with bachelor’s degrees or higher, fuels the thriving culture and success of Black entrepreneurs,” said Chandler Vice Mayor Christine Ellis.

For more information or to access the 2025 Community Survey, visit: https://blackchamberaz.com/ .

About the Black Chamber of Arizona

The Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ) boosts entrepreneurial and corporate diversity by strengthening businesses that serve all communities. They provide tools and education to make businesses more “bankable,” remove barriers to capital, and partner with educational institutions to enhance workforce diversity. Established to close the racial wealth gap, BCAZ empowers Black and underserved entrepreneurs with more than 15,000 hours of training and assistance to 1,200+ Arizona business owners. Learn more at Black Chamber of Arizona – https://blackchamberaz.com/.

About the City of Chandler

Chandler, Arizona has built a reputation as a Community of Innovation. Life in Chandler goes beyond a thriving and dynamic business community with progressive entrepreneurship. Known for its rich diversity, the city offers an outstanding quality of life for all generations with great schools and recreational opportunities. Chandler has grown to become the state’s fourth-largest city with a population of more than 291,000. Chandler has been named one of the nation’s Best Places to Find a Job and Best Cities for Women in Tech. The city also is one of the safest communities in the nation and boasts AAA bond ratings from all three national rating agencies, one of a select few cities and towns nationally to receive this prestigious designation. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov, or connect with Chandler on social media.

NEWS SOURCE: Black Chamber of Arizona

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Black Chamber of Arizona), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/hundreds-gather-at-chandler-center-for-the-arts-to-celebrate-black-business-excellence-during-national-black-business-month/

Capital City Founder Arsha Jones Launches $5,000 Micro-Grant to Support Local Consumer Product Entrepreneurs

Supporting Scalable Small Businesses with a Mission to Grow From Local Shelves to National Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Arsha Jones, founder and CEO of Capital City, announced today the launch of the Capital City Micro-Grant, a $5,000 grant aimed at helping local, retail-ready entrepreneurs scale their consumer product businesses. The grant will be awarded during the Shop Made Makers Summit, a multi-day entrepreneurship experience taking place August 19–21 in Washington, D.C.

Image caption: Capital City, Washington D.C.

“As a founder, I know what it feels like to need just one yes, one moment, or one opportunity to grow,” said Jones. “Capital City was built from the ground up here in D.C., and this is my way of giving back to the community that gave me my start.”

Three finalists will be selected to present their business growth plans at the Summit’s Reception in front of a live audience and panel of judges. Finalists will give a 3-minute flash talk that highlights their product, profitability model, and plan for scale. Arsha Jones will serve as the lead judge for the grant, alongside select industry professionals.

The Capital City Micro-Grant is designed for retail-ready consumer product businesses (CPG) looking to move from local success to regional or national traction. Applicants must demonstrate how the funds will accelerate growth, expand market presence, or boost revenue.

The grant and mentorship opportunities align with Capital City’s growing commitment to economic empowerment and community investment, especially for underrepresented founders.

About Capital City

Capital City is a Black woman-owned specialty food brand based in Washington, D.C., best known for introducing the world to mambo sauce. Co-founded by Arsha Jones, the company has grown from a kitchen-table recipe into a national brand available at Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. Capital City blends bold flavor with bold vision—championing community, culture, and creativity in every bottle and every initiative.

About Shop Made in DC

Shop Made in DC is a retail initiative with a mission to grow the District’s maker community. With six D.C. locations and more than 5,000 locally made products, Shop Made in DC connects creators to customers through retail, education, and community-building. Learn more at https://shopmadeindc.com/.

Apply for the Capital City Micro-Grant

Retail-ready entrepreneurs can apply online now at: https://www.makersummit.org/speakers-1-1-1

Deadline to Apply: July 31, 2025

Event Location: Union Market District, Washington, D.C.

Summit Dates: August 19–21, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
For Media Inquiries or Interviews with Arsha Jones:
Contact Alicia Maxey Greene at press@mochamediainc.com or 201-647-0531

NEWS SOURCE: Capital City

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Capital City), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/capital-city-founder-arsha-jones-launches-5000-micro-grant-to-support-local-consumer-product-entrepreneurs/

Black Chamber of Arizona Celebrates National Black Business Month

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ) Celebrates National Black Business Month with a Certification Day and Business Summit presented by Amazon and ASU, Aug. 21 and 28, 2024, at Memorial Union, ASU (Aug. 21) & Lush Café, Tempe (Aug. 28).

WHAT: Certification Day and Business Summit presented by Amazon and ASU

WHEN: Aug. 21 & 28, 2024

WHERE: Memorial Union, ASU (Aug. 21) & Lush Café, Tempe (Aug. 28)

WHY IT MATTERS: These events aim to boost economic growth for Black businesses in Arizona.

DETAILS:

* Aug. 21: Minority Certification Day, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at ASU. Hands-on support for minority certification.

* Aug. 28: Empowering Excellence Summit, 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. at Lush Café. Focus on economic inclusion and generational wealth.

Quote: "These events strengthen Black businesses and build resilient pathways for financial growth," said Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO, Black Chamber of Arizona. "The Black Chamber aims to close the racial wealth gap, reduce poverty, and drive innovation, job creation, and wealth-building in the Black community. These events highlight their impact on Arizona entrepreneurs and celebrate National Black Business Month."

GO DEEPER

Minority Certification Day on Aug. 21, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Memorial Union, Tempe, offers hands-on support for minority certification, including technical assistance, business training, and skill-building. ASU executives will also present on enhancing learning potential and family outcomes.

Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-black-business-month-minority-certifications-tickets-976681008187?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-term=listing&utm-campaign=social&utm-medium=discovery&utm=

On Aug. 28, 2:30-5:30 p.m., the Empowering Excellence seminar at Lush Café, Tempe, celebrates Black entrepreneurs and highlights Black-owned firms, focusing on economic inclusion, generational wealth, and the future of Black businesses.

Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-business-month-empowerment-summit-tickets-976916131447?aff=oddtdtcreator

National Black Business Month in August is a key time to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses. The U.S. has more than 161,000 Black-owned businesses, including about 1,200 in Arizona, employing 1.4 million people and generating $206 billion in revenue.

About BCAZ:

The Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ) boosts entrepreneurial and corporate diversity by strengthening businesses that serve all communities. They provide tools and education to make businesses more "bankable," remove barriers to capital, and partner with educational institutions to enhance workforce diversity. Established to close the racial wealth gap, BCAZ empowers Black and underserved entrepreneurs with more than 15,000 hours of training and assistance to 1,200+ Arizona business owners. Click here to learn more: https://www.blackchamberaz.com/

Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ) Celebrates National Black Business Month with a Certification Day and Business Summit presented by Amazon and ASU, Aug. 21 and 28, 2024, at Memorial Union, ASU (Aug. 21) & Lush Café, Tempe (Aug. 28).

Related link: https://www.blackchamberaz.com/