BCOM – Q2 2025 Newsletter

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Greetings BCOM Members and Supporters,

Welcome to the return of the Wealth Journey newsletter. In times of uncertainty, true leaders rise. At the Black Chamber of Memphis, we refuse to be sidelined by shifting political landscapes, our work is too important. Instead, we stand firm in our mission—to empower, uplift, and champion our member businesses. 

Despite challenges, our membership is growing, a testament to the undeniable strength and resilience of Memphis’ Black business community. More entrepreneurs and professionals are joining our network, recognizing that collective power drives economic progress. This expansion fuels our ability to offer top-tier programming, provide vital resources, and advocate for policies that create real opportunities.

Ernest Strickland
President & CEO

Our programs continue to evolve, equipping business owners with the tools to thrive. From capital access workshops to policy roundtables, networking events, and business accelerator programs, we ensure that our members are informed, connected, and positioned for success. We are not just adapting to change—we are leading through it.

Memphis is a city built on resilience, innovation, and a spirit of perseverance. The Black Chamber of Memphis embodies that same energy, serving as a catalyst for economic growth. We are forging partnerships, securing new opportunities, and ensuring that Black businesses are not just surviving but flourishing.

No matter the political climate, we will not be deterred. The fight for equity, inclusion, and economic empowerment continues. The future of the Black Chamber of Memphis is strong because our community is strong. Together, we will build, sustain, and create lasting generational wealth.

Now is the time to stand with us, grow with us, and invest in the future. If you’re not yet a member, join us today. Let’s keep Memphis moving forward—together.

We are resilient. We are powerful. We are the Black Chamber of Memphis.

Best Regards,

Ernest Strickland
President/CEO
Black Chamber of Memphis

Wealth Journey - Quarterly Newsletter

It's been several months since we've last shared all of the incredible things we're doing over at The Black Chamber of Commerce of Memphis. Since our last newsletter, we've celebrated our 50th anniversary as the Black Business Association of Memphis and we've been hard at work developing programs to grow and empower Memphis entrepreneurs. We're excited to continue grow our impact in 2025 so stay tuned & stay informed!

BCOM Programs

Meet The Team

Reintroducing BCOM's Quarterly Newsletter
 

It's been several months since we've last shared all of the incredible things we're doing over at The Black Chamber of Commerce of Memphis. We apologize for the silence but you can look forward to more consistency, more partner spotlights, and more events moving forward!

The first quarter of 2025 was filled with empowering events, impactful partnerships, and valuable learning experiences. Here’s a look back at the moments that made a difference:

Memphis Business Journal’s Power 100 Honoring Ernest Strickland
We were proud to celebrate BCOM Founder Ernest Strickland, recognized as one of Memphis’ most influential leaders. His dedication to economic empowerment and business advocacy continues to make a profound impact on our community.

ITEP Program Launch: Shaping Industry Leaders
The Industry Training Entrepreneurship Program (ITEP) kicked off with an incredible launch, giving participants access to insider industry knowledge, workforce development insights, and valuable networking opportunities. We’re excited to see this program transform aspiring entrepreneurs into industry innovators.

Economic Development Session: Thought Leadership in Action
BCOM’s Ernest Strickland joined forces with industry expert Joanna Massey to discuss economic growth strategies. Their insights empowered attendees with actionable steps for fostering business expansion and creating sustainable growth in Memphis.

ITEP x Adaptive Music Workshop: Empowering Music Entrepreneurs
In partnership with Adaptive Music, BCOM introduced the Music & Entertainment Sector of ITEP, offering artists the tools to navigate the business side of music. This initiative is helping musicians become entrepreneurial powerhouses by blending creativity with commerce.

Business Booster Presents: Becoming Vendor Ready
We hosted Joshua Rubin, National Sales Manager at Memphis Tourism, for an insightful discussion on becoming vendor-ready for large-scale events. The event concluded with a graduation ceremony for Cohorts 4 & 5 and an exclusive tour of the Ritzee Estate.

BCOM Lunch & Learn: The Art of Selling Your Business
Experts Kelvin Woods and Lawrence Thomas from Confidential Business Intermediaries (CBI) led a dynamic session on maximizing your business’s value. Members gained actionable insights on effectively marketing their businesses to potential buyers.

Build to Scale (B2S) Tech Expo & Entrepreneur Showcase
The B2S Tech Expo brought together tech startups, investors, and entrepreneurs for a day of innovation and collaboration. This event provided attendees with access to capital resources and showcased the potential of Memphis’ tech ecosystem.

Upcoming Q2 2025 Events: Mark Your Calendar!

Don’t miss these exciting events designed to empower, educate, and elevate your business:

 BCOM Lunch & Learn – May 21, 2025

 Mind Your Business Class - Pitch to the Procurement Team – May 7, 2025

 BCOM Lunch & Learn – June 18, 2025

 Quarterly Networking Mixer – June  2025 (Ticket Information Coming Soon!)
 

Community Spotlight

The Black Chamber of Memphis successfully hosted a Business Roundtable Discussion with U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, bringing together local Black business leaders for a candid conversation on key economic and policy issues impacting their success.

During the discussion, participants engaged with Senator Hagerty on tariffs, community grants, regulatory challenges, and the evolving landscape of digital currency. Business leaders shared their perspectives on how these issues affect growth, access to capital, and opportunities for expansion. The Senator provided updates from Washington, addressing concerns and outlining steps being taken to support business development and economic empowerment.

This roundtable was a critical dialogue on shaping policies that foster opportunities, and the Black Chamber of Memphis remains committed to advocating for the needs of our business community.

Thank you to Senator Hagerty and all the business leaders who contributed to this meaningful discussion!

The Value of Your BCOM Membership

As a BCOM member, you gain access to:
Exclusive Networking Opportunities – Connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and business mentors.
 Business Development Programs – Learn from experts on funding, marketing, and scaling your business.
 Member Spotlights & Promotions – Gain visibility through BCOM’s newsletters, social platforms, and events.
 Advocacy & Representation – BCOM champions policies and initiatives that support Black-owned businesses in Memphis.

Renew or upgrade your membership today to unlock even more benefits and be part of our mission to empower entrepreneurs in Memphis. For more information, contact our membership manager at memberservices@bbamemphis.com.

This program is funded by Shelby County Government. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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