The Tempe Chamber of Commerce was chosen as one of five organizations to participate in a BIPOC Micro-Manufacturing Program created by City of Tempe. The program will support Black, indigenous and people of color micro-manufacturers with business consulting services and grant funding to cover the cost of space, startup raw materials and equipment.
“The grant will provide necessary funding, training and support to a demographic of businesses that have been undeserved and underrepresented in Tempe and Arizona. The fact that we can impact that change and support aligns squarely with our mission and commitment to the City of Tempe,” said Tempe Chamber President and CEO Colin Diaz.
The program includes $500,000 from the federal Congressional Community Project Funding, secured by Representative Greg Stanton as a part of the House passage of H.R. 4502. An additional $300,000 was contributed by the City of Tempe.
“I’m proud that, in partnership with Mayor Woods and the City of Tempe, we’ve brought back half a million dollars in federal funds to Tempe to support micro-manufacturers,” said Rep. Stanton. “I’m excited to see the good ideas that grow out of this grant program — and to continue to work with local leaders to support small businesses and boost domestic manufacturing right here in Arizona.”
Photo by Andrew Nicla
