Groups work to help black-owned businesses in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wednesday was a big step towards breaking barriers as two community organizations came together in Wilmington to discuss issues facing African-American businesses.

“What can I do to help bring about more of the economic impact of the benefits of the chamber and the resources of the chamber to the black community,” African-American Business Council Chair Tracey Jackson said.

Jackson is a consultant who helps businesses grow, now she is using her skills to work with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce to make sure all black business owners can have that same opportunity.

“The way that I look at it is, if you want to see full economic impact in a community and the vibrancy that could happen in a community everybody has to see their fair share,” Jackson said.

This is the first time the African-American Business Council and the Wilmington Chamber have worked together to make both of their goals a reality.

“Our vision here at the chamber is to cultivate prosperity in our community by encouraging business growth and that means prosperity for the entire community,” Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President Natalie English said.

As the two groups work together they are focusing on how they can succeed.

“What I would like is for business leaders and business owners in Wilmington to understand that this is a job for all of us,” English said. “It’s not just one segment of the business population.”

English and Jackson are both excited for the potential of this partnership.

“It’s time for us to serve our time and do the same thing they did for us, for the next generation and so I want to be a part of that,” Jackson said.

Today was the groups first public meeting as they went over goals and future plans. They do not have their next meeting scheduled yet.