Name: Black Business Alliance Kickoff
Start: 2026-01-22T17:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-22T19:00:00-05:00
Location: Wesley grant SR southside center

The Asheville Chamber kicks off our Black Business Alliance initiative on Thursday, January 22, at the Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Community Center with a program to introduce and highlight the Chamber's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and Black-owned businesses.
The Black Business Alliance is dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and business owners through advocacy, training and connections. Programs will create opportunities for growth and relationship building. Inclusive programming aims to provide access to essential resources and guidance while ensuring that Black-owned businesses have the support systems and voice to thrive in our community. We envision a vibrant, diverse Asheville where Black-owned businesses are integral to the region's economic strength -- thriving, innovating and leading in a community that values equity, opportunity and shared prosperity. The first of a year's worth of monthly educational opportunities, this event launches the Chamber's work in supporting Black-owned businesses.
Join us for a networking reception from 5:00 - 5:45 pm, followed by a panel discussion in the theater from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. The discussion will cover topics such as the benefits of participating in the Black Business Alliance, an upcoming Learning Series, plans for a BBA Awards Celebration, benefits of joining the Chamber, and the benefits of supplier diversity.
Moderated by Ava Smith, President and CEO of Flat Fee Recruiting, our panelists include Marcus Kirkman, Business Inclusion Manager with the City of Asheville, Keynon Lake, Founder of My Daddy Taught Me That, and Amy Jackson, Senior Director of Member Engagement with the Asheville Chamber, and Shawn Smart, Owner of Smart Shawn Consulting.
This event is free and open to all Chamber members and community partners who would like to attend.
Registration is requested.