This page is under construction- please be patient as we culminate our resources and assemble in a legible format. We are grateful for your contributions! Please email executivedirector@vashonchamber.com if you have a suggested resource to contribute.
Resource List for our Diverse Entrepreneurs
LOCAL RESOURCES
Vashon Island residents standing in alliance to end systemic and implicit racism through activism, education, providing financial resources, and more.
STATE RESOURCES
NATIONAL RESOURCES
Association of Latino Professionals for America
A membership group of Hispanic certified public accountants that helps its members in their careers by providing scholarships, employment assistance, and a newsletter.
SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration established the 8(a) Business Development Program in order to specifically address the needs of small business owners who experience a disadvantage—economically or socially. Designed to help these businesses enter the broader economy, the program focuses on helping these businesses acquire government contracts.
National Minority Business Council
Founded in 1972, the National Minority Business Council helps minority entrepreneurs in the Tri-State New York area and across the country. The non-profit provides business assistance, educational programs, listings, and directories that can help in securing new contracts and clients.
Advocacy, entrepreneurial training, access to capital, and new contracts are the pillars of the non-profit organization U.S. Black Chambers. The group also helps local black chambers to develop, providing technical assistance, leadership training, and the sharing of best practices and other relevant data.
The Black Business Association advocates for the development of African-American owned businesses across the country. Besides monitoring and championing legislation that would positively affect African-American owned businesses, the BBA also offers resources such as bid listings and events for networking.
USHCC Hispanic Business Enterprise Program
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the largest Hispanic business association in the United States. A powerful advocacy group, the USHCC established the Hispanic Business Enterprise Program, tailored specifically for Hispanic small business owners. The program provides a national resource for those small businesses that are looking to grow beyond their local economy.
US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC)
Started in 1984, the USPAACC was developed to help foster the pan-Asian business community in the United States. A non-profit that acts as a portal to corporate and government contracts, the USPAACC offers a certification program that bestows national recognition, as well as educational services and resources for growth.
US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC)
Started in 1984, the USPAACC was developed to help foster the pan-Asian business community in the United States. A non-profit that acts as a portal to corporate and government contracts, the USPAACC offers a certification program that bestows national recognition, as well as educational services and resources for growth.
Minority & Women-Owned Business Spotlight
The M&WBE Spotlight Program was created to recognize local entrepreneurs who are vital to Vashon's economic growth and award them for their achievements in developing both their businesses and supporting their communities.
Eligible businesses must be members of the Vashon-Maury Island Chamber of Commerce to be nominated.
Photo by energepic.com from Pexels