Case Study: Helping Chambers Collect Information on Critical Needs for Current & Potential Members

Executive Summary

On September 12, 2025, our organization collaborated with the Richmond County Black Minority Chamber of Commerce to host a highly successful roundtable discussion at the College of Staten Island. The event, which drew 19 attendees, met its primary goal of providing a supportive and informative space for local business owners. By addressing key challenges, fostering a sense of community, and connecting participants with valuable resources, the event's positive energy and the attendees' spontaneous request for a follow-up underscored its value.

Context

This event was born out of a recognized need within the Staten Island business community for a direct and action-oriented support system. The goal was to provide a hands-on, face-to-face environment where business owners could openly discuss their struggles and gain access to resources that were often difficult to find or understand. The initiative aimed to build a lasting foundation of support and community for the area's entrepreneurs.

Method

Our approach focused on creating a collaborative and open environment rather than a traditional, lecture-based event. We partnered with key organizations and individuals to ensure the content was both inspiring and practical:

• Open Dialogue: The event was structured around an open discussion led by Darren R. Jones, allowing participants to voice their challenges and share their experiences.

• Expert Speakers: We engaged speakers from the NY Small Business Development Council (NYSBDC) and Western Governors University (WGU) to provide concrete, actionable resources and advice.

• Targeted Support: The speaker content was specifically tailored to address the most common challenges identified, including financial management, community building, and resource accessibility.

• Networking: We deliberately created a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged networking, with attendees staying well past the official end time to connect.

Outcomes

The Staten Island Roundtable Discussion was a resounding success, achieving a significant turnout and generating valuable results. Of the 22 people who registered, 19 attended, representing an impressive attendance rate. Attendees were highly engaged, participating actively in the discussion and staying for 40 minutes after the official end time to network.

Key outcomes included:

• In-Kind Donation: WGU provided a generous in-kind donation valued at approximately, paying for 8 new membership subscriptions.

• Actionable Resources: The NYSBDC representative offered free consultations to all attendees, providing a direct path to support.

• Community Building: The event's open and honest atmosphere fostered a strong sense of community, leading to the spontaneous request for a second event.

• Budget Efficiency: The event was executed with a $0 budget, demonstrating its cost-effectiveness and strong ROI.

  
  

Overall

The Staten Island Roundtable Discussion successfully met its objectives, providing a valuable platform for local business owners and demonstrating a clear demand for similar future initiatives. The event's ability to deliver tangible resources, foster genuine connections, and operate with zero expenses highlights a model that can be replicated for a sustained impact on the community.