Our Mission
The Business Diversity Initiative (BDI) seeks to strengthen minority entrepreneurship and integrate minority business owners into Elkhart’s diverse commercial environment.
Goals
- Identify and connect minority entrepreneurs to the resources needed to grow their financial, human, intellectual and social capital
- Assist minority entrepreneurs to break through financial barriers with the Minority Owned Business Chamber Member Grant and Business Suite Programs
- Help minority owned businesses boost their social capital through our networking events and engaging workshops
Join Us!
Council Meeting Time:
3rd Monday at 9 am
Council Co-Chairs:
Brandon Arnold, Stifel – The Elkhart Group
Denyse Pontius, Century Chemical Corp.
Board Liaison:
Cedric Waters, Airxcel
Valentina Jaurer, Mariscos Don Miguel
Staff Liaison:
Maria Rojas
What we do together
Celebrating Minority Business Dinner
Every fall, BDI sponsors the Celebrating Minority Business Excellence dinner which honors the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of minority businesses in our community. The event also provides a platform for entrepreneurs to network with leaders within their industry and celebrate the year’s award recipients in communications, nonprofit leadership, restaurant, health, retail, service, and community impact. To submit a nomination for a Celebrating Minority Business Excellence Award, go here
Minority Owned Business Chamber Member Grant Application
Applications open and close on the following dates: January 1 – January 31, April 1 – April 30, July 1 – July 31, and October 1 – October 31.
Application is available here