Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce helps local entrepreneurs succeed

WEST ALLIS, Wis. — You can probably discover Kyonna Michelle Grey at work in certainly one of her many workplaces.

She owns a number of companies, together with a prenatal firm. She additionally sells automobiles, bounce home leases, owns a toddler care enterprise for youngsters with particular wants and helps others begin their very own enterprise. One other enterprise of Grays is Males to Millionaire Mentorship, the place she helps teenagers and adults get again on observe.

“I take these males and I flip their life round and we do entrepreneurship from begin to end and I assist them open their enterprise,” stated Grey. “I assist them each step of the way in which.”

Grey is motivated to succeed. She wasn’t at all times this pushed.

“All of this streamed from one dangerous occasion I’ve had,” stated Grey. “I used to be in a automotive accident that took my mobility for about six to seven weeks. My job wouldn’t cowl my medical bills, so after I get again on my toes, I’m going to go further onerous.”

She stated it’s not straightforward being a feminine, Black entrepreneur. That’s why she appreciated her assist from her outdated trainer, Ruben Hopkins, who’s now a mentor. He’s the CEO of the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce, a company that advocates for Black enterprise homeowners.

“This man has been there from day one,” stated Grey. “He has no drawback displaying up. He walked me by processes I believed was over.”

Hopkins stated he created the group 13 years in the past due to the necessity for financial growth within the Black neighborhood.

“The mission is to make Black folks the biggest employer of Black folks,” stated Hopkins. “So as to do this, we have to create much more companies in our neighborhood.”

There’s greater than 900 members in Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce. The membership helps enterprise homeowners like Grey with networking, schooling, workshops and extra. Whereas August is Nationwide Black Enterprise Month, he encourages his members to deal with it like each month.

“We’re Black each day,” stated Hopkins. “I do know the entire idea is round making an attempt to spotlight it and elevate it, however we’re Black each day. So I inform folks on a regular basis get after it and exit and compete. However once more, making an attempt to compete, you must have assets.”

Hopkins describes Grey as a flower rising by concrete due to how uncommon her ardour and drive to succeed is. He hopes different entrepreneurs can take notes from her to assist construct the Black enterprise neighborhood all through Wisconsin.

To study extra in regards to the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce, click on right here.