As we approach the final stretch of 2023, the Tampa Bay Chamber has received several dozen applications from local entrepreneurs applying to the 2024 Minority Empowerment Program. With a record number of applicants since MEP's launch in 2021, the need for more businesses to sponsor MEP is also greater than ever before.
The year-long program strengthens Black and Hispanic owned and led small businesses and organizations. Participants benefit from professional development training and engagement with the Chamber's next level of economic inclusion programming, the globally recognized Minority Business Accelerator. MEP participants have access to subject experts and industry leaders who engage with them during quarterly sessions. Participants also gain from the benefits that come from a Fit 3 Chamber Membership.
For more information, potential sponsors should contact Rosanne Versaggi, Senior Director of Membership at the Tampa Bay Chamber. The next group of MEP participants will be selected in December. 2024 MEP Sponsor companies are part of that selection process and pairing with an MEP entrepreneur to mentor.
Here's an example of the wonderful human capital in the MEP Class of 2023! Meet Michelle Rhodes, retired Registered Nurse and Founder of The Color of Wellness Media. 
MEP Entrepreneur Michelle Rhodes: The Woman Behind Inaugural "Digital Media Nurse Tour"
“We’re excited to offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to learn about the power of digital media and how it can help them impact their communities,” said the organizers of The Digital Media Nurse Tour. It has been a gamechanger for us at The Color of Wellness from sponsorships, to advertisements, and collaborations that have boosted our bottom line. We have been spotlighted on Sirius XM, Fox News Radio, FOX News and our goal is to help healthcare professionals create a personal brand that they love and that promotes their expertise and knowledge.” The Color of Wellness Media and Friends presents The Digital Media Nurse Tour, a one-day workshop for healthcare professionals that teaches the power of digital media. The event is designed to help healthcare professionals learn how to leverage digital media, tell important stories, disseminate health education to their communities and amplify the health voice as an ally. The workshop is open to a variety of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, mental health professionals, and anyone looking to impact their community in a positive way. Attendees will learn about podcasting, live streaming, writing for online publications, and more.
During Rhodes' journey in the Chamber's MEP program in 2023, she has participated in a variety of media interviews across the Tampa Bay region, sharing her expertise on health disparities in our community and sharing successful models that have been used to increase health equity for minorities.