Page 93 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2022

in Connections
In 2021, the collective group of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber hosted more than 260 programs including ribbon cuttings, annual meetings and community updates, military programs, advocacy events, socials and networking opportunities, leadership events, and
board meetings. However, the support of the organization goes beyond gatherings.
Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, almost $138,000 was invested back into communities through small business grants, teacher grants and college scholarships. The
majority went to small business development grants, which are typically up to $1,000 each and awarded each year to target areas, including city-specific, minority-owned,
women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. The Biloxi Chamber of Commerce also provides re-occupancy grants available throughout the year to qualified new businesses
looking to open in existing vacant buildings within the city.
As part of a partnership with Mississippi Power, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber began
offering the Shine a Light Grant Program in 2021, providing a total of $16,000 annually to minority-owned small businesses.
Joshua Borden of Coastal Family Cleaning received the Shine A Light Grant, where he plans to expand to a greater audience in hopes of gaining more customers.
Members of Coast Young Professionals
enjoy costume props of the Mardi Gras Museum during the CYP Cultivate program.
Members received valuable information at the Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity Council
Breakfast with Business Champions.
Grand opening celebration at Crossroads Counseling Center’s new location in Gulfport.
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