Voice of Business Committees
Collaboration for an Impact
Shape diversity, franchising or small business in Colorado Springs by joining a Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Voice of Business Committee. These committees provide collaborative platforms to better understand needs, address important issues, and help shape our region’s business climate. Committees include the Small Business Advisory Council, Franchise Focus Group, and Diversity in the Workplace Committee. Groups meet at least once a month and are open to all members.
Small Business Advisory Council
Advocacy and support for small business members is the focus of the Small Business Advisory Council. To inquire about joining a committee, contact Member Relations Manager Emma Mitchell.
Meets: First Wednesday of each month
Taskforce Groups
- Research: Identify the needs and manage resources for small businesses
- Promotion: Marketing and awareness of small businesses within the community
- Connection: Support small businesses with resources and one-on-one communication
2020 Highlights
- Small business owners were surveyed for insight on needed resources and support. Using these results, a promotional video campaign was created to showcase 11 small businesses via social media. Sponsorships covered the cost of the videos.
- Discounted services were organized for small businesses facing economic challenges.
- A monthly Small Business Roundtable was launched. Business professionals met in small groups to discuss and brainstorm solution to small business issues.
Member Moment
“There is a saying, ‘To be successful, you must surround yourself with successful people.’ I discovered those influencers within the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. With that, Regardless of ownership, I treat each employer as my own business and seek out success for us both. I am very thankful for the connections I have made through the Small Business Advisory Council and am happy to continue supporting peer members and the organization.”
– April O’Neil, Vice President-Senior Relationship Manager, TBK Bank
Franchise Focus Committee
The Franchise Focus Committee develops education and resource programs for franchise owners, promotes public awareness of the franchising model, and helps inform our legislative strategy. To inquire about joining a committee, contact Member Relations Manager Emma Mitchell.
Meets: Third Monday of each month
2020 Highlights
- Created a virtual event — How to be a Successful Franchise Owner — that included 170 participants
- Contributed input on ballot issues and impacts of Paycheck Protection Program loans
- Engaged a franchise consultant
- Brainstormed solutions franchise ownership solutions
- Performed outreach to franchisees and facilitated leads
Member Moment
“I recently purchased a new window treatment franchise, then joined the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. I began participating in the Franchise Focus Committee right away. By the second meeting, I gained ideas to solved my capacity and rapid growth issues. Chamber & EDC staff made introductions with the UCCS College of Business and their internship program. Not only did I receive the the support I need, I’m now participate in the business school’s mentorship program. How cool!”
– Barry Brown, Owner & Design Consultant, Gotcha Covered of Colorado Springs
Diversity in the Workplace Committee
Empowering diverse talent and an inclusive business climate are the priorities for the Diversity in the Workplace Committee. To inquire about joining a committee, contact Member Relations Manager Emma Mitchell.
Meets: Fourth Wednesday of each month
Taskforce Groups
- Communications: Engagement of diverse populations and employers
- Mentorship: Build a diverse leadership pool by diversifying board leadership and connecting minority businesses with resources
- Events: Collaborate on diversity, equity, and inclusion business events
- Resources: Identify and manage diversity, equity, and inclusion business resources
2020 Highlights
- Moderated a focus group to identify diversity resources for businesses
- Outreach to Chamber & EDC members who have received scholarships to understand how best to support them
- Identified requirements for community board appointments and created an associated directory
- Created or partnered with community organizations on diversity, equity, and inclusion events, or events that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
Member Moment
“I joined this committee because I know growing workforce diversity is imperative for our community. My peers and I work to be an access point for professionals who struggle with a sense of belonging in our community. I’m also learning a lot myself along the way.
– Stephanie Adams, Director, UCCS Downtown