Unlocking the Benefits of a Chamber of Commerce for Small Business Founders

For many small businesses, joining a local Chamber of Commerce (CoC) can provide a variety of benefits, from networking opportunities to advocacy support. But what can it do for historically underrepresented founders, like those in the Black and/or LGBTQ+ community? How can they unlock the benefits of a local Chamber of Commerce? Let's explore the advantages of joining a Chamber of Commerce for small businesses and how it can help them thrive in their industries and communities.

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

A Chamber of Commerce is a local or regional network of businesses that connect and collaborate to promote and protect their members interests. We recently sat down with the Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce as well as the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce to discuss how small business founders can utilize a CoC as a resource for community engagement and awareness.  

Nikki Granger from the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce notes that while a CoC usually requires a membership, the value added to both the individual and the community is profound. In joining a CoC, an entrepreneur is setting themselves up for key business opportunities such as advocacy, education, and economic development resources.  

What Can a Chamber of Commerce do for Small Businesses? 

It can be hard enough to get your small business up and running, but for folks within historically underrepresented and underfunded communities, it can feel like a continuous uphill battle. Patrick Kirkwood from the Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce opened up in discussing the unique advantages LGBTQ+ business owners can gain from joining a CoC. Patrick says, “We prepare them by implementing tools such as training, workshops, business development opportunities, business showcases and matchmaking events...we encourage them to stay connected, stay engaged, and be involved.”

By providing these tailored resources and platforms for visibility, a CoC ensures that LGBTQ+ small businesses are not only recognized, but are also given the tools they need to build confidence and thrive in a competitive environment.

Why Does Community Matter? 

Every community deserves to have a voice and share of their respective market. In a perfect world, local small business owners would rely on each other as a resource in both life and business. Unfortunately, this isn’t usually the case. Through a local or national CoC, small business founders are given the opportunity to stay engaged with their communities, build important relationships, and earn customer loyalty.

Nikki Granger notes, ‘When you are running a business individually, you’re depending on just yourself. You’re operating every position, you’re wearing every hat and you can't do it alone. In raising children they say it takes a village, it takes a village to be an entrepreneur.” 

Are you thinking about taking the entrepreneurial plunge and starting a business? Explore our content around Becoming a Founder for more inspiration and practical tips. And of course, remember that Justworks can help you run your small business with confidence. Curious how Justworks can help you start your business on the road to success, support your people, and grow your business? Contact us today to get started.