For the second year in a row, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia is partnering with the Wells Fargo Foundation to increase economic inclusion among diverse entrepreneurs. 

Bred from the partnership is a program that provides small, diverse-owned businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region with access to resources, support, and business connections to grow their enterprises.

“It’s crucial that we make space for diverse entrepreneurs at the Chamber,” said Chellie Cameron, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. “We’re proud to partner with Wells Fargo to expand access to the resources and growth opportunities that come with Chamber membership.”

The Wells Fargo Foundation is funding the program.

Wells Fargo’s local community grants support nonprofit organizations aligned with four focus areas: housing access & affordability, financial health, small business & entrepreneurship, and sustainability & climate resilience. 

A priority is placed on nonprofit programming supporting low-to-moderate-income communities, addressing racial and social equity, and accelerating an inclusive economy. 

“Helping small businesses persevere during the pandemic and plan for the future has been a major focus for Wells Fargo. We’re glad to continue fostering an inclusive recovery for minority small business owners in the Greater Philadelphia Region as they continue to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship,” said Stephen Briggs, vice president of community relations at Wells Fargo. 

The Chamber’s program will support small business viability, growth, expansion, innovation, and increased productivity, prioritizing Black- and brown-owned small businesses to increase equity in the region’s business community. 

To aid this, the Chamber will provide membership at the enterprise level for a full year to at least 25 eligible small, diverse-owned businesses. They will receive access to marketing and advertising services; networking and exposure opportunities; education and access to thought leadership; advocacy support at the local, regional, and federal levels; and more. 

Applicant eligibility requirements include:

• Small, diverse-owned business
• Location in the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region (Bucks, Burlington, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Gloucester, Mercer, Montgomery, New Castle, Philadelphia, or Salem Counties)
• At least three years of sales history
• At least $500,000 in gross annual sales revenue
• At least two full-time employees
• Provider of goods, services, technology, capital, or resources to create jobs, wealth, and a predictable rate of return to investors and owners

Aliya Hammond, CEO of Aliya Hammond Consulting, is a program participant and a testament to its impact.

“As a beneficiary of this program, the Chamber has enabled me to grow my networking, and ultimately allowed me to secure a new contract through the Diverse Procurement Collaborative,” she said.