By Anjela Alvarado, Operations Manager for the Philadelphia Minority Business Center and Josh Dickson, Director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the US Department of Commerce

This March, the Philadelphia MBDA Business Center (MBC-PA) hosted its first Business Sunday in partnership with the Small Business Administration’s Philadelphia District Office. Business Sunday is a program focused on promoting local economic growth and job creation by connecting congregations and communities with the valuable business development resources offered by the Federal Government. A collaboration between the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and BusinessUSA, Business Sunday builds ladders of opportunity by meeting people where they are at and ensuring they have access to everything they need to start or grow their business.

The Philadelphia Business Sunday took place at the historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. Founded in 1794 by former slave Bishop Richard Allen, Mother Bethel plays an important role in the community and has exhibited a continual commitment to providing economic opportunity for people throughout Philadelphia. More than 20 entrepreneurs braved icy weather conditions to take part in this valuable discussion.

Michael Bowman, Managing Partner of Bowman & Partners, LLP, opened and emceed the event. As a member of Mother Bethel and the owner of a successful Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Mr. Bowman shared the importance of entrepreneurs tapping into the resources available to local businesses. Pastor Mark Tyler, Ph. D, subsequently welcomed members and guests and shared his vision for the increased role he would like to see Mother Bethel play in the economic development of the Greater Philadelphia region.

Following the opening portion of the day, Anjela Alvarado, Operations Manager for MBC-PA, kicked off the Business Sunday program. She shared the purpose of Business Sunday and presented a welcome video message from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. James Sanders, MBC-PA Director, then spoke about the services the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) provides to minority-owned businesses across the country and shared data on the impact these firms have on job creation and the national economy. Mr. Sanders encouraged attendees to take advantage of local resources to continue to grow their businesses and stimulate the local economy. Sonia Smith, Economic Development and Lender Relations Specialist of the Eastern PA office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, then spoke about financing and other resources available from the SBA. Ms. Smith shared the critical need for entrepreneurs to truly understand their capacity to borrow loans to grow their businesses. She also discussed certifications available to minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. Ron Baldwin, Director of Supplier Management & Diversity at Amerihealth Caritas, also spoke to attendees about building relationships with larger corporations. He encouraged attendees to network as much as possible, but advised them to work on their pitch prior to meeting procurement specialists. Mr. Baldwin shared the importance of being succinct yet impactful when approaching decision-makers to do business with their firm.

Shawn Gibbons, another member of Mother Bethel A.M.E., concluded the presentation portion of the event by speaking of her experience working with Mr. Sanders and the MBC-PA office. Just six short years ago, her company, CI Solutions, was a struggling start-up. Now it is a multi-million dollar interior solutions firm. The event culminated with a lively Q+A discussion and final words from Rev. Tyler, affirming Mother Bethel’s commitment to the success of minority-owned firms. Entrepreneurs walked away with helpful advice on growing their businesses and a better understanding of local resources available. The first Business Sunday in Philadelphia was a major success and MBC-PA was proud to partner with such a historic congregation on this important initiative.