Small-business development is critical to Harrisburg’s economic revitalization.
In recent years, the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Central PA (AACCCP) has been one of the most active organizations in our region promoting that growth, helping minority entrepreneurs translate their ideas and expertise into viable businesses. “A lot of times, our members have the skill set for their trade, but not the business skills for their industry,” said chamber President Leland Nelson. “We bring those resources to our members.”
The AACCCP’s services are built around providing resources, education, advocacy and participation (REAP), said Nelson. This platform of core values inspires programs ranging from annual “Build Your Business” boot camps, which put local entrepreneurs through an intensive series of workshops, to “Professional Thursdays” networking events. The chamber also uses its relationships with area financial institutions to help member businesses secure loans and grants and assist them in collective bidding on contracts.
Besides his role as AACCCP president, Nelson is the owner of Harrisburg-based Dirty Dog Hauling, so he understands the difficulties new business owners face.
“For example, a member may know construction, but be unfamiliar with things like certified payroll, capability statements—the things they need to run their business,” said Nelson. “We listen to what the members want, and programs and events are geared towards their needs.”
The chamber gives minority business owners the chance to work alongside professionals with similar experiences.
“We’re faced with some real challenges in central Pennsylvania, including workforce development and providing jobs to people whose skills are not highly specialized,” said member and management consultant Wendy Jackson-Dowe. “I believe in the chamber’s mission, and that it’s important for folks of color to see other folks of color who can share our unique lens, our journey, from starting businesses to becoming successful. Being the daughter of entrepreneurs and having my own business, it was an easy decision for me to join.”
In 2013, the chamber completed a multi-year process to be designated as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization by the IRS. “The 501(c)(3) allows us to accept contributions from corporations and organizations that see diversity and inclusion not just as keywords, but as a way of doing business,” said Nelson.
The charitable contributions help the chamber provide free programs for those who cannot afford membership and assist underserved populations, such as ex-offenders, to develop professional careers. It is also working with the state to become authorized to provide certification programs for minority, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses. In addition, several chamber members consulted with Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse’s transition team.
Among the most inspirational of the chamber’s efforts this year has been the work of member Hope Latimore, the owner of Cover Me with Hope, a Hershey-based wig and post-mastectomy boutique that assists people who have been diagnosed with cancer.
“My mission is to help customers build their confidence and self-esteem, to feel good about themselves through difficult times,” said Latimore.
Her services include fittings, hair restoration, hair replacement and prosthesis, developed in collaboration with patients’ healthcare providers.
“I’ve been in business for five years now, and, doing things by myself, it felt like I was at a standstill,” she recalled. “Becoming a member has opened more doors, and meeting more successful businesspeople who are doing positive things for society and making our community better was a great opportunity.”
Through the chamber, Latimore was able to increase Cover Me with Hope’s visibility in the region, reach out to more area oncologists and let more patients take advantage of her services, including the uninsured. “The chamber is truly sincere and genuine about helping you out,” she said. “They really do care and have helped me take my business to the next level. I believe all businesspeople should be connected and that any businessperson should become a part of it.”
The AACCCP is also looking towards the future with programs such as Junior Entrepreneurs Training (JET), a series of classes and exercises aimed at children aged 7 through 14. JET helps participants start their own businesses with investment capital from the chamber’s partners. “They work at events like Kipona or the Jazz Festival and come up with a return on investment,” explained Nelson.
“Too often, we hear stories about the negative things happening in the black community. There are so many positive stories about young, progressive, business owners and future leaders that are often overlooked or just not in the general conversation,” said Jackson-Dowe.
She believes that it’s vital that minority business owners realize that their hard work is appreciated and supported, so they can become successful.
“It’s important to teach people self-reliance, to become independent,” concluded Jackson-Dowe. “The small business owner is the greatest creator of jobs in this country. It’s important that, instead of complaining and sitting back on the sidelines, people want to be part of the solution.”
AACCCP’s February Breakfast Club meeting is sponsored by Highmark and will be held at Nellie’s Southern Style Café, 301 Reily Street, Harrisburg, on Feb. 4 at 7:45 a.m. The event is free for both current and prospective members, and features guest speakers, networking opportunities and a complimentary breakfast. On Feb. 13, AACCCP will host Corks, Canvas & Commerce, a free Professional Thursday event, 5 to 9 p.m., at Crawdaddy’s, 1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg.
For more information regarding memberships, business resources and upcoming events, visit ChamberForUs.com or Facebook.com/ChamberForUs.
