Initiative Seeks to Connect Minority-Owned Suppliers with Larger SW Michigan Businesses

Khari Worthy's company - Worthy Construction of Kalamazoo - has been in business since 2017. Like many entrepreneurs newly in business, Khari's company met with early success, but was ready for some growth guidance. At the same time, an initiative to assist minority-owned businesses with entrepreneurial growth and support was coming together. Khari was a perfect candidate."The Blueprint" is an initiative between the City of Kalamazoo, PNC Bank and Southwest Michigan First - and is led by Room 35, a business strategy and coaching organization based in Kalamazoo. In this episode, Southwest Michigan First Chamber Director Clarence Lloyd, Room 35's Joshua Gray and Khari Worthy discuss "The Blueprint" and how it has assisted Khari's business growth. As well, they discuss the overall goals of the program: Support traditionally underserved community businesses in growing their network capital and relationships - while working to address social wealth gaps.Episode ResourcesMore from the Southwest Michigan First Chamber: New Director Discusses Southwest Michigan First-Led Chamber of CommerceChamber's Choice Awards Highlight the Best of Kalamazoo CountySouthwest Michigan First Chamber websiteRoom 35 website —-Could your organization or business use purposeful exposure like this in order to share your story? Check out Livemic Communications for more information.