The Minority Empowerment Program (MEP) is an initiative of the Chamber designed to bring Black and Hispanic owned and led businesses and nonprofits into the community conversation through Chamber membership, resulting in a more inclusive environment and approach toward business growth throughout the region. As a program under the Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Inclusive Organization” pillar, MEP strives to create an environment where all feel welcome.
Along with the benefits of a Tier 3 Chamber Membership, participants also receive quarterly specialized programming, invitations to special sessions, and networking events with the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator participants.
Sponsors
Purpose
AT&T, a member of the Tampa Bay Chamber, approached the Chamber about creating a program that would increase the participation and relationships of Black and Hispanic owned and led businesses and non-profits.
AT&T, Amgen, Moffitt Cancer Center, Nielsen, Regions Bank and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, all returned to fund the 2nd year of the MEP program and were joined by Bank of America.
The goal of the Minority Empowerment Program is to welcome more Black and Hispanic businesses and nonprofits into chamber membership, making the Chamber organization better positioned to listen to the input, and to represent the perspectives, of Black and Hispanic owned organizations that are vital to the economic and social health of the Tampa Bay area. Resulting in a more inclusive and equitable approach toward business growth and community engagement throughout the region, while also connecting more businesses with Chamber resources for growth and development.
Impact Successes
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The sponsors of the Minority Empowerment Program provided 18 one-year FIT3 (top tier) Chamber memberships to Black and Hispanic owned businesses and non-profits that were not already chamber members.
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All the participants attended an Orientation to learn about programs, events and initiatives that are available to them to engage with the Chamber while expanding their professional relationships and connections.
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4 of the 18 companies were identified as excellent candidates for an advanced level program and have applied for the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator program designed to scale business growth.
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Participants have attended an average of 5-6 events/sessions throughout the 2022 calendar year.
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Personal connections were facilitated at Business Around the Bay, a small group of business leader’s roundtable discussion to cover a variety of topics.
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Direct business connections lead to new business opportunities including MEP to MEP partnerships and MEP to member partnerships.
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Some participants were paired with a seasoned mentor for guidance and each participant had the opportunity to meet/communicate with their mentor about once a month.
Sessions
Feb. 2
MBA Orientation “Welcome to the chamber”
Mar. 16 – Quarter 1
Next Level Network and Imposter Syndrome
Jun. 15 – Quarter 2
Sales and Marketing
Sep. 21 – Quarter 3
Elevated Marketing, Leadership and Laughter
Dec. 14 – Quarter 4
End of Year Session
Events
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Tampa Bay at Sunset
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Competitive Edge
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Networking 101 and Return on Relationships
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Insight Tampa Bay: Executive Leadership Series for new CEO’s
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After Five
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Priority Invitation to Benchmarking
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Public Policy Roundtable
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Circle of Influence
Participants & Highlights
2022 Chair
Nikki Pardo
Founder
Global Alliance Solutions
Aptos Screening Inc.
Ascendo Resources
Canviiy, LLC.
Caz Hodge Marketing
“It was a privilege and honor to be a participant in the Tampa Bay Chamber’s MEP program this year. The relationships, opportunities and resources that have been shared within this cohort have been invaluable. The education and camaraderie that has taken place within this inclusive environment has helped all to promote business growth and have insightful conversations that are beneficial to the Tampa Bay region and State of Florida. Much of this would probably not have happened if it wasn’t for the great work of the leadership of the Tampa Bay Chamber and Minority Empowerment Program. Thank you for EVERYTHING!”
Chakra Zulu Crystals
DuCon, LLC
Empowering Creative
“Getting to know other business owners while learning and growing together has been a great experience!”
Mesubi, LLC
Milena International Inc.
“Thank you to the Chamber and the MEP Program for a top-notch schedule of informative speakers. Throughout the year, we at Milena International have been able to implement multiple concepts that we have learned from the presenters.”
Optional Solutions, LLC
“My experiences with the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Minority Empowerment Program are phenomenal. Avril and her team introduced the group to businesses we might not have met without them. Participating in the program helped me secure a new client, a large medical group with 15 hospitals, supplying them with lab coats. With the chamber’s support, I am confident there is more to come. Thank you, Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce; Thank you.”
Pierson Property Group
Project LINK, Inc
Renew Construction Services
Samamed Home Improvements LLC
Skilled Workforce Talent Solutions, LLC
“Being a part of the MEP has allowed me to reenter into the community that I served for 16 years under my own brand and continue the work in making a difference and impact in workforce development. In the networking opportunities that I have been able to receive and input that I have been able to have in how the community collaborates in making Tampa Bay’s workforce a solution to this economy has been a fulfilling goal. Thank you to the chamber for this opportunity to allow me to be at the table as a business owner and as a voice to this community. This membership is beneficial to my business and my career!”
Soulful Teacakes & Sweets
“The Tampa Chamber has awarded us the opportunity of a business lifetime that we are extremely grateful for. We have made amazing contacts and our business has directly benefited from the Tampa Chamber of Commerce.”
Swoll Camp
“The MEP Program has been nothing short of a blessing for my business. I have had the opportunity to build genuine relationships with individuals I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to network with on a consistent basis. I have seen progression in growing Swoll Camp and within myself as a business owner, but also a person. Thankful that I met Ms. Avril Stinson and all her dedicated efforts into the MEP Program, I would recommend it as a valuable resource for any minority business owner.”
Wise Walk Virtual Solutions