Business Support & Development
- Black Business Startup Assistance: One-on-one help for aspiring Black entrepreneurs navigating business formation, LLCs, and licenses in Bastrop County.
- Grant & Capital Access Support: Help members find and apply for minority business grants, small business loans, and local funding.
- Workshops & Trainings: Free or low-cost sessions on credit building, business planning, bookkeeping, and digital marketing — culturally relevant and community-centered.
- Business Certification Assistance: Help members get certified as Black-owned, HUB, WBE, or MBE for public contracts and procurement opportunities.
Networking & Community Building
- Black Business Networking Mixers: Monthly meetups across Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville to connect Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives.
- Member-to-Member Referrals: Actively connect members for contracts, services, and opportunities.
- Grand Openings & Celebrations: Ribbon cuttings, pop-up shops, and vendor fairs to spotlight Black-owned businesses across the county.
Marketing & Promotion
- Online Black Business Directory: Feature member businesses on the Chamber website and social media platforms.
- “Buy Black Bastrop” Campaigns: Seasonal campaigns to encourage community support for Black-owned businesses.
- Spotlight Series: Monthly highlights of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs on social media and newsletters.
Other Benefits
- Group Insurance & Service Discounts: Access to group rates on business services, software, or liability insurance.
- Job Posting Board: Promote jobs from Black-owned businesses or partners committed to inclusive hiring.
- Exclusive Vendor Opportunities: First access to vendor booths at festivals, city events, and Chamber expos.
Education & Youth Empowerment
- Black Youth in Business Program: Mentorship, internships, and entrepreneurship training for high school and college students in Bastrop County.
- Scholarships & Recognition: Annual awards or scholarships for outstanding Black students or youth entrepreneurs.
- School Partnerships: Collaborate with BISD and local schools to support career days and workshops.
Community Engagement
- Unity in the Community Events: Collaborations with churches, nonprofits, and civic leaders to build economic and cultural bridges.
- Health & Wellness Initiatives: Partner with Black health professionals to host wellness fairs, mental health sessions, and healthy living workshops.
- Black Homeownership Workshops: Partner with lenders, agents, and housing counselors to increase Black homeownership in Bastrop County.