How Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce is a resource for small businesses

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce (CMBCC), a non-profit organization, was founded in 2004 to serve black business owners and professionals in Charlotte and its surrounding areas. The organization is open to all people who want to grow their business through programs, events and networking.

Gary Young is the chairperson of the CMBCC. He joined the organization in 2008 as director of economic development after graduating from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Young is a consultant for startups and intermediate-size businesses. He is also running for District 5’s position on City Council.

CMBCC is funded through membership dues, corporate partners and fee-based events. CMBCC is volunteer-based and recently revamped its committee structure to strengthen the organization.

As chairman, Young’s job is to oversee the committees. “Through these committees, we truly work together to make sure that we are all working on the same accord,” he said.

Each of the four committees — economic development and public policy, membership, marketing and communications, and corporate and community partners — are led by a chair or co-chair.

CMBCC offers several ways for their members to learn about how to run their businesses more effectively. At their monthly meetings, they bring in a panel of experts to discuss topics such as small business legal issues and utilizing public relations and media.

Members connect with one another at these meetings, but also have access to other organizations that support small businesses like the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, SCORE and Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC). They partner with local groups like AKA Sorority, Inc.; Urban League of Central Carolinas, National Black MBS Association and Women’s Business Center of Charlotte.

“[Networking events] open up doors and relationships,” said Young. “That’s a big component that I really try to stress to our members. Charlotte is very much a relationship-based city. You have to understand the importance of the dynamic of cultivating genuine relationships.”

General member meetings are open to everyone and are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month. August’s topic is about getting funding for small businesses and is Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Packard Place. Register here.

CMBCC also hosts 30 Under 30 Recognition, a program recognizing entrepreneurs and business professionals ages 30 and under for their leadership in their industries and fields of expertise.

Katrina Louis was in the first class of professionals recognized in 2016. She is the chair of the communications and marketing committee and also serves on the CMBCC board.

“My experience as part of the inaugural 30 Under 30 class convinced me how important CMBCC is to the community,” Louis said. “Connecting with fellow honorees and CMBCC members turned into business relationships that have helped me personally and professionally. If Charlotte is really trying to create equal opportunities in our community, then CMBCC is a critical resource.”

Photos: Soul Art Photography, Katrina Louis

This story was originally published August 2, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "How Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce is a resource for small businesses."