Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Black Chamber of Commerce debuts with membership drive

Minority-owned businesses in Washtenaw County have a new economic development resource: the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Black Chamber of Commerce.

The nonprofit organization, a chapter of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, made its official debut with a membership drive last week.

“The mission of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce as a whole is to economically empower and sustain African American businesses,” said Anistia Thomas, president of the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti chapter.

“Of the research we’ve done based upon the U.S. census, there are 3,200 African American businesses between Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor,” she continued. “There’s no organization collectively bringing them together in order to help build their brand awareness. There is a dire need for that in the area.”

Founded in 2010, Detroit-based Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce has more than 1,100 members and operates chapters in Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and several other cities in the state, according to its website.

Thomas said the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti chapter will provide members with the tools and resources to help grow or launch their businesses. The group has more than 30 members.

Membership begins at $150 a year for sole proprietor level and $1,000 for small businesses. Thomas said anyone can join as a corporate member, but to qualify as a small business member, the business needs to be 51 percent black-owned.

“Minority-owned businesses don’t always have the resources and business acumen to help develop in order to become more profitable. …We think it’s important for us to be very resourceful in order to help them train and build and further develop,” Thomas said.

She said the organization is partnering with Google to help business owners utilize Google products and boost online presence. The group also plans to introduce a collegiate chapter in 2014 for the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, which would offer an internship/mentorship program for interested students.

Thomas said the organization won’t compete with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, but the goal is to collaborate.

The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce and Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce merged in 2009, forming the A2Y Chamber.

“Collectively, with all of us working together, we’re able to help bring and empower small business dealings within the area. It’s obvious there is a huge need for that in the area,” she said.

The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti chapter operates out of Thomas’ insurance agency office at 283 S. Zeeb Road.

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.