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The ASBCC is committed to advancing the economic conditions, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the quality of life of its affiliates, members and the communities that they serve throughout Alabama.

Dear ASBCC Family:

We had an insightful experience at our Women Business Owners Forum/Luncheon on March 23^rd during our recognition of Women’s History Month. Our 3 panelists, Kathy Mann CEO of Coldwell Banker/CK Mann Realty; Architect & Attorney Nolanda Hatcher, Principal at Studio 2H Design; and Dr. Yvette Rice, President of LLVE LLC, were fabulously on point with their presentations and answers in the Q&A session. We were proud to hold the event at the woman-owned Polaris Co-working/Event Center. Special thanks to all in attendance, Alycia Moore President of Polaris, Roberts Catering & Cuisine, and our sponsor the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network.

The forum also marked the launch of our WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS MENTORING PROGRAM. The program is open to all members of the chamber family (ASBCC, BMBCC, EABCC, HMBCC, MABCC, NEABCC, TABCC, & WBCC). For information and registration contact Antoinette Hawthorne, ahawthorne@alblackcc.org.

Panelists(l-r): Y. Rice, N. Hatcher, K. Mann

ASBCC President/CEO J. Mitchell

S. Stoudemire, J. Mitchell, & MAWSS Diversity Mgr. Dr. Felicia Thomas

Guests Q&A

WELCOME ABOARD NEW & RETURNING MEMBERS

Huntsville Metro Black Chamber of Commerce
Mobile Area Black Chamber of Commerce
Wiregrass Black Chamber of Commerce

ASBCC NEWS & EVENTS

Chamber Family News & Events

Affiliate Contacts

(contact affiliates directly regarding event scheduling and information affected by COVID-19).
Connect with one our affiliates and grow your business or nonprofit:

Birmingham Metro Black Chamber of Commerce (BMBCC). Contact Donnie Hatcher, BhamMetroBcc@gmail.com or call (205)873-4572.
Mobile Area Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact Leavie King, (251)554-7238, chairman@mabcc.net.
Huntsville Metro Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact Antoinette Hawthorne, (256)427-2650, info@hsvblackchamber.org
Northeast Alabama Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact Dorothy Taylor, (256) 458-5018.
River Region Black Chamber of Commerce (Montgomery). Contact Shannon Pickett, (334)462-6383 or rrblkchamber@gmail.com
Tuscaloosa Area Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact Patricia Cade, (205) 887-6111 or tuscblackchamber@gmail.com.
Wiregrass Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact Ada Berry, (334)372-3547
East Alabama Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact Christine Bradshaw, (334) 278-0453.

Business Opportunities:

Visit Birmingham Water Works Board, www.bwwb.org, for business opportunities.

Visit Mobile Area Water & Sewer System, www.mawss.com, for business opportunities.

Visit the Huntsville City Schools website for current opportunities, hsv-k12.org, or contact Pam Phillips, Procurement Director, pam.phillips@hsv-k12.org.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Grants Benefit Domestic Violence Shelters Nationally
Mary Kay Ash Foundation: Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program
The Mary Kay Ash Foundation's Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program awards grants to shelters across the United States that are providing critical, life-saving services to women and children seeking safety from an abusive situation. Grants of $20,000 are awarded to at least one domestic violence shelter in every state. The application deadline is April 30, 2023. Visit the Foundation's website to access the online application.

Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program
Powered by Last Mile Education Fund
The Last Mile Education Fund and Microsoft are working together to address the diversity and talent shortages in the cybersecurity workforce by investing in students. The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program supports community college degree and industry certificate completion through financial assistance (up to $500) and subsidies for cybersecurity certification exam costs (up to $375). Financial assistance is intended to cover short-term basic needs, such as food, rent, health-related,transportation/car issues, and/or a laptop/device.

This opportunity is open to any student who is low-income or veteran status who is pursuing studies in cybersecurity. Deadline: Rolling

Homeless Providers Grand and Per Diem Program Case Management Grant
This VA program offers two-year funding to nonprofits and state, local, or Tribal governments to provide case management services to support veterans in acquiring and maintaining permanent housing. Information is available online from February 3. For more information, contact Chelsea Watson, VA, 727-273-5619. Deadline: May 4, 2023

Verizon Small Business Digital Readiness (VSBDR) Program
Great news the next round of $10,000 grants launched March 1^st, 2023!
How to Apply

To apply for the current round of grant funding, register on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, complete any combination of two courses, coaching events, and community events, and apply by May 12, 2023.
Applications open on March 1, 2023, and close 11:59pm PT on May 12, 2023.
All applicants will be notified about whether or not they have been selected to receive grant funding by the week of May 18, 2023.

USE THE LINK ON THE FLYER BELOW TO REGISTER:

Visit www.alblackcc.org to learn more about the mission and activities of the ASBCC.

Contact the ASBCC (www.alblack.org) today for business opportunities, referrals, general business assistance, and of course membership.
Email: wehelp@alblackcc.org or Call (205) 895-1157.