Recent News

Twenty five years ago, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and city leaders decided to start an organization dedicated to helping small and minority businesses grow.

Last week, Chamber members and the public came out in full force to honor their peers and celebrate the Jax Chambers Small Business Center’s 25^th Anniversary during a luncheon held at the their headquarters in downtown Jacksonville.   The theme was “Celebrating Our Past, Present and Future.” Keynote speaker was former Small Business Center Director of Minority Business Development, Glenda Washington.

Washington is currently the Senior Vice President of Entrepreneurial & Minority Business Development for the Greater Topeka Partnership /Go Topeka Corporation.

The Small Business Center started in 1993 on Norwood Avenue, under the leadership of the former Chamber President Wally Lee and with the assistance of many community leaders, organizations and volunteers.  As the business center grew, Glenda and Wally collaborated on various business development services and initiatives for African American business owners.

The Small Business Center moved to the Chamber’s downtown office in 2009 and continues to provide the community with the critical skills needed to start and grow a businesses.

Check out the entire article HERE!