CSDBCC Launches Urban Business Resource Center

A vision of more inclusive economic development has stirred a leading nonprofit and several leading San Diego businesses to act.

The County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce (CSDBCC) has launched the Urban Business Resource Center (UBRC), a suite of programs created to support underrepresented businesses and help them close the generational wealth gap.

The chamber is doing so with partnerships with San Diego Foundation, Sony Electronics Inc., Bank of America, SDG&E and the City of San Diego as well as a number of other local businesses.

“The mission of the Urban Business Resource Center is to provide free education, resources, tools and grants to help the underrepresented small businesses grow, sustain and continue to contribute to the economic growth of our vibrant community,” said Donna DeBerry, president and CEO of CSDBCC.

The UBRC also provides opportunities for networking. Businesses of all types and in all stages of development may be eligible for assistance through the UBRC.

“Because of COVID, the business landscape has changed, but because of this class, I can tell a different story of my company, to be successful in the current environment,” said Jacques Stroud, owner of Docfully.

After a successful first year working with 100 businesses from underrepresented communities across San Diego, the CSDBCC is eager to launch Cohort 3 in spring 2023. Program participants learn skills, network with potential funders and clients and receive resources to help them scale their businesses.

“The County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce is creating a great impact on the Black community through the UBRC,” said Barb Chodos, president and publisher of the San Diego Business Journal. “This type of free education encourages capacity building among small businesses and brings these historically disadvantaged communities that much closer to cultivating generational wealth.”

With the guidance of President and CEO Donna DeBerry and Chairman Bruce Mayberry, CSDBCC is creating an impact in the San Diego Black business community. This first year of the UBRC programs represented a return to form for the CSDBCC after being forced to pare down many offerings because of the pandemic.

“Since completing the Business Accelerator program, I’ve opened a third FireSnake Fitness studio in Encinitas and hired four additional fitness trainers,” said Amy Minnick, owner of FireSnake Fitness.

CSDBCC will be adding two new programs under the UBRC in 2023, focusing on female and youth entrepreneurship.

“It is said that every success story is a takeoff of constant adaptation, revision and change,” said Onyeka Tefari, owner of Onyeka Tefari Wellness and Spa. “From working on our business model canvas through to refining our elevator pitch, this course has been one that encouraged us to continue to grow, adapt and evolve as business owners. I am thankful for such a wonderful program being available to our business community and am so very thankful to have been a part of this cohort.”

Creating generational wealth through business enterprise, education, employment and investment within San Diego’s Black business community is CSDBCC’s mission. The organization utilizes innovative programs, networking opportunities and business partnerships to advance and strengthen inclusive economic development throughout the city and county of San Diego.

CSDBCC invites those interested to make a difference in the community today by making a donation to support the UBRC at www.sdblackchamber.org/donate

Those who want to connect with CSDBCC to learn more about the impact it is making on San Diego’s Black business community should send an email to info@sdblackchamber.org.