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January 27 — Lieutenant Thompson is looking for some talented entrepreneurs.
Thompson was hired by the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce last March to form the Black Business Alliance, a coalition of companies that support and encourage each other. Less than a year later, the Alliance now has 22 members, with an average of 8 to 12 members attending monthly meetings.
Thompson’s own business, Wellness Box, is just a few doors away from the Chamber of Commerce offices in Wabash.
“We invite people to come see the resources available, the opportunities to network and connect with each other,” Thompson said. It’s about highlighting the different things happening in our community that we can all support.”
Finding funding for your business is a frequent topic at conferences.
“A common concern is access to capital, so we are trying to secure someone from various entities to discuss the resources and qualifications available to access capital,” Thompson said.
The conference will cover how to create a business plan, marketing, how to manage the day-to-day operations to make your business successful, and how to use social media to promote your business products in the digital space.
But the key to BBA’s success is its emphasis on the simple act of getting people to know each other.
“The main thing we learned from the conference is that even in this small community, not everyone knows each other,” Thompson said. It’s important to stay away and build networks and trust.
“Most of the time we operate in our own circle, and that circle may not include people with whom we are not familiar. It’s very important to build trust.”
Thompson touts the inclusivity of the Black Business Alliance.
“There’s a diverse entrepreneurial spirit going through those doors,” he said. “It targets people in different fields: landscape and construction, marketing, dinner he theater, mental health he counseling, food aspects, etc. There are different entities that can help them in their business.”
Dallas Wilson, Director of Business Development, Whit & Wil Marketing, said: .”
He added, “We help people who need a little push to get started in the first place, and help people with businesses find revenue streams.” can offer advice.
Last June, the BBA hosted an event called “Pitch Black” at Launch Terre Haute, where budding entrepreneurs pitched business ideas ranging from indoor children’s playgrounds to professional dinner theaters to barbershops.
Tawana Hemphill was declared the winner for her idea of a restaurant “Kiss of the South”. As part of her pitch, she gave her judges samples of her collard greens sandwiches that she offers at her own business. Her prize money included $2,000 and her profile on her Google business from Wilson’s Whit & Wil Marketing.
Hemphill joined the alliance and now uses the commercial kitchen at the Booker T. Washington Community Center to prepare food for its catering business.
In the near future, she plans to arrange a pop-up to help invest in a food truck that can run a catering business.
“They help a lot,” Hemphill said of the BBA. “They show how to start a business, how to reach out to people, who to reach out to.”
Thompson hopes to revisit Pitch Black this summer.
“We would like to have a second pitch contest to give black entrepreneurs a chance to highlight their ambitions if they are offering new services or expanding in some way.
White-owned businesses that want to support black businesses are encouraged to join the alliance and attend the conference.
“We are very grateful to the Queen of Terre Haute casino resorts for supporting and sponsoring the Black Business Alliance along with Ivy Tech Community College,” Thompson said. We welcome you to network and support the show.”
“One of the biggest things that a Black Business Alliance needs to do is create a coherent community among Black businesses and a connection with everyone else,” said Wilson.
“We do a good job of allowing people outside of our target audience to join our meetings because everyone can help,” says Thompson.
BBA does not currently charge membership fees. Learn more about the BBA at the Chamber of Commerce (or participating companies) every 3rd Tuesday of the week at 6pm. See his website for the Chamber of Commerce. Please contact Thompson at Lthompson@terrehautechamber.com if you are interested in participating.
You can contact David Kronke at 812-231-4232 or david.kronke@tribstar.com.
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