Is this the right program for me?
Are you a Black-owned business that has been operating for at least six months and wants to do business in the city of Tacoma?
- Are you a Black-owned business that has been operating for at least six months?
- Business must be headquartered in the city limits of Tacoma.
- Actively engaged in the program and follow-ups.
Apply to the Black Business Investment
As the nation responds to various major issues, there has never been a time of more promise for marginalized communities. For Black entrepreneurs and business owners there is a major shift happening towards economic empowerment. The Black Business Investment program with Spaceworks is focused on providing a more equitable Tacoma for black entrepreneurs.
Locally, community members have demanded the establishment of and increased support for Black-owned businesses. With Hilltop being a focus, we also are providing support throughout all of Tacoma. In response to community engagement and requests, Spaceworks Tacoma launched a new business development program for Black entrepreneurs that provides resources, services, as well as working to put businesses into retail spaces. The Black Business Investment aims to continue the long and rich history of Black-owned businesses on Hilltop, grow Black businesses in Tacoma, and to decrease systemic barriers in our changing city.
Under the leadership of Herschel Wilson, our approach builds on our existing Incubator and centers Black owners and entrepreneurs to…
- Develop and execute winning business plans for the purpose of starting, growing, and funding their enterprises
- Learn top strategies, tools, and resources for growing a sustainable business
- Learn about upcoming opportunities from community partners and developers
- Engage with a broader network of invested individuals, entities, and groups
- Prepare for, and receive advocacy on behalf of, obtaining a physical location on Hilltop
This is a multi-year effort that brings together community partners, business professionals, and developers. In 2021, we launched a 2-month pilot cohort with 12 businesses. Since then, the project grew from being neighborhood focused with respect to Hilltop, to being a city-wide program. We are gearing up for the next group of business professionals to enter into our next cohort program. To continue the commitment, we make to our cohort members, we host quarterly Happy Hours. The goal is to have Black business owners’ network together, create synergy, tell us their concerns and needs, as well as have community partners to the table. This lowers the barrier for these businesses as we match services such as lending, retail space, accounting, and much more to businesses in need.
To get involved and to support the Black Business Investment, please contact HerschelW@tacomachamber.org
You must be logged in to post a comment.