WEALTH JOURNEY NEWSLETTER |
Mark Yates President & CEO |
Black Business Month Is About Preparing for What's Next Dear BCOM Members, Partners, and Friends, August is Black Business Month, and this year, I believe the most meaningful way to celebrate Black entrepreneurship is to make sure our businesses are prepared for the opportunities ahead. Memphis is entering a period of major investment and growth, and our responsibility is to help Black-owned businesses compete for the capital, contracts, and partnerships that will shape our city's next chapter. One of the most significant developments is the new Regional One Health campus, a transformational investment expected to generate procurement opportunities across construction, professional services, technology, logistics, food service, maintenance, and many other industries. Projects of this scale don't just reshape skylines. They create pathways for businesses that are prepared to compete and positioned to grow. Opportunity doesn't always come with a second invitation. That's why the Black Chamber of Memphis is focused on helping businesses strengthen the fundamentals that matter most: access to capital, procurement readiness, operational discipline, trusted relationships, and strategic partnerships. Those are the building blocks that help businesses move from pursuing opportunities to winning them. Later this month, we'll introduce a new AI-powered capital readiness platform designed to help our members identify funding opportunities that align with their business goals. We believe technology should make access easier, not harder, and we're excited to place another practical tool in the hands of our members. We're also preparing for our Building Wealth in Our Community Symposium on October 2, where entrepreneurs, corporate partners, lenders, investors, and civic leaders will come together to explore the ideas, relationships, and investments that will strengthen Black business across Memphis and the Mid-South. As we approach the August 6 election, I encourage every eligible voter to participate. Strong businesses need strong communities, and strong communities depend on leaders who understand the value of entrepreneurship, workforce development, infrastructure, and wealth creation. I'm equally encouraged by the growing collaboration among Memphis' Black professional, civic, and fraternal organizations. When we work together with a shared purpose, we expand access, create new opportunities, and build a stronger business ecosystem that benefits our entire community. Black Business Month gives us a reason to celebrate how far we've come. Our responsibility, however, is to make sure we're prepared for what's next. That's the work of the Black Chamber of Memphis, and I'm grateful for your continued partnership as we help build a stronger future for Black business in our city. Sincerely, Mark Yates
Interim President
Black Chamber of Memphis |
MEET OUR NEW / RENEWING MEMBERS |
Katherine Bell-Anthony Access MedStaffing Solutions Healthcare Website |
Octavia Quarles Vital Care Services Inc Website |
Cassandra Webster The Memphis Challenge Website . |
Tanya Frey Terra Firma Consulting Website |
Sharmaine Fields-Taylor Here 2 There Transportation, LLC d/b/a Shar Professional Services Website |
Marqueta Abraham CLR Mind Psychiatry, LLC Website |
Introducing CEO to CEO Conversation Series |
Kicking off in honor of Black Business Month, CEO to CEO is BCoM's new conversation series designed to give entrepreneurs direct access to the lived experiences, strategies, and perspectives of fellow business leaders. Featuring CEOs from BCoM’s member network, each session goes beyond surface-level success stories to explore what it truly takes to build, lead, and sustain a business. Leaders will share pivotal decisions, lessons learned through challenges, and the mindset needed to navigate changing markets, business demands, and the personal responsibilities that often accompany entrepreneurship. Designed for emerging and established entrepreneurs alike, CEO to CEO offers practical insight and peer-to-peer encouragement from leaders who understand the journey firsthand. Attendees will leave with a stronger perspective on leadership, resilience, business growth, and building enterprises positioned to endure. The inaugural conversation will spotlight family-owned businesses, with featured leaders sharing their experiences building alongside kin, balancing personal relationships with business decisions, planning for succession, and creating brands and legacies that can thrive across generations. Stay tuned for more information. |
Congratulations to Our Boomin Marketing Graduates! |
The Black Chamber of Memphis is proud to recognize the graduates of the Boomin Marketing Summer Cohort! Through our partnership with Boomin U, 21 entrepreneurs completed the four-week virtual marketing program designed to help business owners strengthen their brand and messaging, sharpen their marketing strategy, and gain practical tools to better connect with customers to grow their businesses. Black Business Month is an opportunity to recognize business owners who continue to invest in themselves, strengthen their companies, and contribute to a thriving Black business community across the Mid-South. |
Please join us in congratulating our Summer 2026 graduates: |
UPCOMING: Get Capital Ready with Boomin to the Bank |
Take the next step toward building a financially stronger business with Boomin to the Bank, a four-week financial readiness program from Boomin U. Designed for entrepreneurs at every stage, the program will help participants better understand and manage personal and business finances, organize financial records for stronger decision-making, and learn what lenders and investors look for when evaluating a business. Participants will also develop a practical, step-by-step plan to strengthen their financial position over time. In-person orientation begins August 25, followed by virtual classes every Tuesday evening in September. Ready to build clarity, confidence, and a stronger foundation for future funding? Enroll in Boomin to the Bank. |
Event Recap: AI Is Recommending Your Competitors—Not You |
The Black Chamber of Memphis (BCoM), in collaboration with remoting.work, recently hosted an engaging virtual session, “AI Is Recommending Your Competitors—Not You,” on July 15, 2026. As more consumers turn to AI tools for recommendations—from finding an accountant or roofing company to discovering a local restaurant—businesses must understand how to position themselves to be visible and credible in AI-driven search and recommendations. |
During the session, attendees explored what AI looks for when recommending businesses and the digital signals that influence whether a business is viewed as credible, trustworthy, and relevant. The discussion also highlighted practical strategies businesses can implement to strengthen their online presence and improve their chances of being discovered and recommended by AI. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and timely session. The Black Chamber of Memphis remains committed to equipping Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and connections they need to thrive in an evolving business landscape. Stay connected with BCoM for upcoming workshops, educational sessions, and opportunities designed to support your business growth. |
BCoM Celebrates The Black Business Month |
Celebrating Black Business Month! This Black Business Month, the Black Chamber of Memphis (BCoM) celebrates the entrepreneurs and business owners who are building, innovating, and creating lasting economic impact in our communities. We remain committed to advancing Black business success by expanding Access, driving Investment, and creating pathways for Mobility—helping businesses move from opportunity to growth and from growth to lasting impact. Together, we are building stronger businesses, creating generational wealth, and strengthening our community. Let’s celebrate, support, and invest in Black businesses—not just this month, but every month. #BlackBusinessMonth #BlackBusiness #SupportBlackBusiness #BCoM #BuildingWealth |
Registration Is OPEN! Secure your spot at BCoM’s Building Wealth in Our Community Symposium. |
Build Wealth. Build Community. Build the Future.The wait is over! The Building Wealth in Our Community Symposium is officially live, and we’re bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and changemakers for an impactful day focused on creating lasting wealth and expanding economic opportunity in our community. Get ready for powerful conversations, practical insights, valuable resources, and meaningful connections designed to help businesses thrive and strengthen Memphis’ entrepreneurial ecosystem. Building Wealth in Our Community Symposium📅 Friday, October 2, 2026
📍 Reign Event Venue
🕗 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Whether you’re growing your business, expanding your network, exploring new opportunities, or seeking the tools and connections needed for long-term success, this is an event you won’t want to miss! 🎟️ Registration is now open! Secure your spot today and join us as we work together to Build Wealth. Build Community. Build the Future. For event details, registration, sponsorship opportunities, and updates, visit the Black Chamber of Memphis Website |
Save the Dates: Exciting BCoM Events You Won’t Want to Miss!
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Stay connected with BCoM for upcoming workshops, educational sessions, and opportunities designed to support your business growth.
📌 New Member Orientation – August 7, 2026 (Register Here)
📌 WEBINAR:Scaling Your Professional Services Firm Beyond You – Aug 19 (Register Here) 📌 Boomin to the Bank – Begins August 25, 2026 (Register Here) 📌 New Member Orientation – September 11, 2026 (Register Here)
📌 Annual Symposium – October 2, 2026 (Register NOW) 📌 New Member Orientation – October 9, 2026 (Register Here) 📌 The HR Strategy Room by Dr. Quennette Taylor – October 27, 2026 (Register Here Whether you’re looking to expand your network, access valuable resources, or stay plugged into Memphis’ thriving business community, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you at an upcoming event! |
Ready to Grow? Join BCoM Today! |
Your Business Deserves More Than a Membership. It Deserves Momentum.The Black Chamber of Memphis is where ambitious businesses connect, grow, and gain access to opportunities that drive real results. As a BCoM Member, You Gain Access To: 🚀 Powerful Connections 💡 Growth-Focused Resources 📢 Increased Visibility 🤝 A Stronger Collective Voice
Your seat at the table is waiting. Don't lose access to the connections, resources, and opportunities that help your business grow. Renew, join, or upgrade your membership today and continue building relationships, increasing your visibility, and positioning your business for success. For assistance, contact memberservices@bbamemphis.com
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