Momentum in Motion: A New Era for Business Inclusion

Over the last year, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce worked to usher in a new program providing critical knowledge, access, and resources for minority and Black-owned businesses within the Coral Gables community. 

Momentum: Gables Business Inclusion Program is an initiative developed in collaboration with Amerant Bank and the Chamber’s DEI Committee that highlights the Chamber’s commitment to breaking down barriers and driving economic equity.  

CEO of TB Media Group and Chair of the DEI Committee, Tamika Bickham, under the leadership of Gables Chamber CEO, Mark Trowbridge, along with fellow committee members, launched Momentum to address the underrepresentation of minority and Black-owned businesses in the Chamber’s membership. 

Black business owners face significant financial hurdles, with a rejection rate for funding applications that is three times higher than that of their white counterparts. According to a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses report, 86% of Black business owners were concerned about access to capital.

The Momentum in Motion Luncheon group at Amerant Bank's Coral Gables branch.

“When it comes to financial spaces and, going after capital to grow your small business, it can be hard to know who to trust and what are the most appropriate avenues to take to go after those dollars, so that our businesses not only survive, but they thrive,” Bickham said. 

With a clear vision in place, the Chamber and its partners took action by launching the inaugural Momentum in Motion luncheon on January 23, 2025, marking the start of this transformative initiative.

Kickstarting the Momentum

In selecting Black-owned businesses to join Momentum, business owners went through a competitive application process that considered their business impact, growth potential, and commitment to being part of the Chamber’s year-long mentorship program.

“This is an initiative we have been working on behind the scenes for over a year and it’s so exciting to see it all come together. After meeting these incredible business owners and seeing the impact they are making in their respective industries, there is no doubt about the value they are going to bring to the Chamber and the Coral Gables business community. We are equally committed to supporting them throughout their business journey. This is just the beginning!” Bickham said. 

Sponsored by Amerant Bank and hosted at their Coral Gables branch, the selected Black-owned businesses attended Momentum in Motion. The luncheon brought together Momentum members, Chamber members, and ambassadors for a presentation and business discussion. 

Throughout the luncheon, industry experts including Yvonnne Boucugnani, SVP, Head of SBA, Kristy Amaro, SVP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, and Maria Olivera, Director of Community Relations, shared their expertise about access to capital, actionable financial strategies, and building trusted partnerships.

Momentum members include Khia Joseph of ThemeIT Events, Esther Rose McCant of Metro Mommy Agency, Leyanis Diaz of We Are Major, LaToya Stirrup of Kazmaleje, Dr. Latanya Benjamin of Young Skin and Andre Luck of Four Leaf Marketing & Consulting

Thanks to the generous support of Amerant Bank and the Gables Chamber, these businesses received complimentary Chamber membership and free access to monthly networking events, as well as access to those seeking to do business with them, allowing them to directly promote their products and services. 

“When we started this conversation a number of years ago, I think this is exactly what we envisioned in terms of our partner not only being a financial supporter but being an incredible resource,” said Chamber CEO Mark Trowbridge. 

With vital financial backing and business resources, Momentum is a lifeline for small business owners who often struggle with forming strong partnerships and covering costs for beneficial items like memberships during their early stages. 

Momentum did more than provide insights and resources – it showcased the immediate impact the program is already having on one of these business owners.

A Vision for Community Impact

The luncheon concluded with a surprise announcement: Joseph of ThemeIT Events was selected as the vendor to plan the Chamber’s 100th Year Anniversary Gala! The group was able to witness her reaction in real-time, with everyone in the room already feeling the value of the Momentum program.

The Momentum in Motion group talking business

“Being an ambassador to Khia Joseph myself has just been a rewarding experience as she grows her business, being fairly new in business full-time, and being able to connect with her one-on-one…being able to hear the challenges. But also hear about the wins and the successes and what’s exciting is that one of those wins was announced for the first time at this luncheon,” Bickham said. 

This moment reflected the actionable steps Momentum takes to promote growth, build connections, and open doors for Black-owned businesses in our community. 

“That was an exciting way to end the event and, really, just proof of what we’re doing is working and it’s valuable to the community. It’s valuable to businesses and it’s valuable in general, and just being overall inclusive and creating new opportunities,” Bickham said.

Momentum in Motion attendees chatting

Momentum is more than a membership program. By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for minority and Black-owned businesses, the Chamber and its partners are paving the way for a more equitable future.

But this program’s success doesn’t stop there! Momentum will celebrate Black History Month with future events that further its mission of inclusivity and opportunity.

Building Partnerships for a Better Tomorrow

This February, Amerant Bank will celebrate Black History Month by highlighting these six Black-owned businesses through in-branch displays and features in their newsletters.

Meanwhile, the Chamber will amplify their stories with a dedicated social media campaign throughout the month, ensuring these entrepreneurs receive the recognition they deserve. Stay tuned to the Gables Chamber social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Momentum in Motion luncheon group

The DEI Committee’s work continues with the Chamber innovating and expanding its efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in its business landscape. 

There’s already a second Momentum in Motion luncheon in the works, living up to its mission of advancing minority and Black-owned businesses and empowering these business owners in their future endeavors!