The Kent Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the success of a regional pilot program that connected more than 2,240 small businesses across King County with vital support services — the majority of which were BIPOC- and women-owned.
In partnership with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber’s Community Business Connector (CBC) program helped connect over 2,240 small businesses in 31 jurisdictions with essential support services. Of those served, 90% were BIPOC- and/or women-owned businesses, reflecting a deep commitment to equity and inclusion.
As part of the CBC program, the Kent Chamber helped deliver:
- Over 700 targeted service referrals
- Access to technical assistance, micro-loans, and language interpretation
- 200+ jobs retained or created
- Over $280,000 in capital investment secured
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the small business community in King County, with a special focus on the businesses right here in Kent,” said Zenovia Harris, CEO of the Kent Chamber. “Our work through the CBC program is a reflection of that legacy — and it’s only the beginning. We’re here to serve, and there is so much more to come.”
The Kent Chamber also helped businesses access micro-loans, technical assistance, and interpretation services — a package of support aimed at lowering barriers and advancing equity.
In a statement, the Seattle Metro Chamber credited the Kent Chamber’s leadership for the pilot’s success:
“The team’s ongoing commitment to supporting the small business community in King County has been instrumental to the success of this regional initiative. The Kent Chamber helped deliver critical services including technical assistance, business outreach, micro-loan access, and language interpretation. Their work strengthened partnerships with cities and service providers, advancing equitable outcomes for historically underserved communities.”
In addition to these measurable outcomes, the Kent Chamber team participated in comprehensive economic development training to enhance its ability to support inclusive growth, focusing on business retention, ecosystem building, and program design.
The Kent Chamber remains dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive regional economy, and is proud to be a continued partner in this vital work.
Learn more about the Kent Chamber here: https://kentchamber.com
