Grantee Spotlight: Central Valley Black Chamber of Commerce

As many local businesses struggle to keep their doors open amid the unpredictable economy, chambers of commerce have stepped up as a steady source of support and guidance. Stanislaus County is home to many chambers, with a focus on geographies and others focused on specific business communities – the Central Valley Black Chamber of Commerce (CVBCC) is one of the newest business chambers in our region.

Earlier this year, CVBCC was awarded a grant from the Tupo Pamoja Fund – a fund established by the Piccinini Pesco Family Fund to support organizations and programming that benefit and uplift Black/African American residents in Stanislaus County. The grant provided funding to host their Small Business Symposium: The Next Level Up, which was recently held on November 8 at the Martin G. Petersen Event Center.

Established in 2018, the Central Valley Black Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and people of color in business succeed – with the ultimate goal of increasing the representation of Black businesses in Stanislaus County. Founder Chinyere (Chichi) Nnodim Jack shared, “The vision for the chamber was built trying to find a way to collaborate, to help others. And to make sure that no one is left behind. No small business is left behind.” Like other chambers in the region, CVBCC is open to all businesses who want to come together to strengthen both our local economy and our community as a whole.

Chichi and her team of dedicated volunteers offer a multitude of services to those who are part of CVBCC. Her firsthand knowledge of owning a business is invaluable to both new entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike. Chichi’s husband, Dr. Jack, designs the chamber’s various trainings, and her daughter, Ada, lends her expertise in technology, social media, and website development. Networking is another key benefit of membership of CVBCC. Zoom meetings are hosted on the last Saturday of every month, allowing members to connect with each other and share information about their businesses.

Recognizing that not all barriers to successful entrepreneurship are business related, CVBCC provides additional services not typically offered by chambers of commerce. Volunteers Jocelyn and Denean help members navigate local transportation systems and connect them to other important resources like childcare. The chamber also partners with local experts to provide members with learning opportunities around financial literacy and life insurance.

Designed to empower Black/African American entrepreneurs and business owners, the Small Business Symposium provided access to networking opportunities, engaging workshops, expert panels, and a vendor fair of local organizations. With more than 150 guests in attendance, it’s clear that the resources and connections offered at the symposium are much needed in our community. CVBCC looks forward to hosting another symposium in the future.

The Central Valley Black Chamber of Commerce office is located in Patterson, but it serves all of Stanislaus County. “Anyone can pick up a phone and call me, pick my brain,” Chichi explained. “If I can help you, I want to be that resource center. If I can't help you, I will get you answers, and I will direct you to the right person that can help you.”

To stay up to date on the latest from CVBCC, visit their Facebook page.