Minority-owned businesses have become a growing part of the local economy in recent years.
And in February 2024, that increase led to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s creation of a Minority Business Coalition.
At 8:30 a.m. Thursday, the chamber will host the Minority Business Coalition Brewed for Business: Resource Open House at its office, 200 E. Third St.
Dave Kirk, chamber president, said, “While we’ve had the minority business coalition in place, this is our first open house. We hope to reach as many businesses as possible. The event will also have existing chamber members offering everything from coaching to banking to marketing to owning your own small business. We want to be a resource for anyone new.”
The event is open to minority and women-led business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking to start, grow or strengthen their businesses as well as chamber members and businesses interested in learning more about available business resources, the chamber said.
People will have the opportunity to connect directly with local resources that can offer guidance in areas such as finance, marketing and branding, business planning, workforce support and certification opportunities.
“We are going to be intentional about making sure that all businesses feel welcome in Greater Owensboro,” Kirk said. “This event is the perfect, informal way to invite new members to have their seat at the table.”
Kahawa Java, a minority-owned business, will provide coffee for the event.
People who want to attend can RSVP at business.chamber.owensboro.com/events or by calling the chamber office at 270-926-1860.
At the time the coalition was formed, Candance Castlen Brake, who was then the chamber’s president, said, “The coalition will offer networking and support for the unique challenges and barriers often faced by minority-owned business leaders. We have seen such a significant rise of minority business start-ups and second-stage growth businesses recently in Greater Owensboro.”
By Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer