A quick read before the weekend! Check out these great SBA resources, upcoming fun events, and more!

WHAT'S NEW AT THE CHAMBER

October 2022 is Chamber of Commerce Month in Pennsylvania

Governor Tom Wolf has officially declared October 2022 as “Local Chamber of Commerce Month” in Pennsylvania.

Thank you to Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry for their work with Governor Tom Wolf on this proclamation.

CCCBI continues to work hard to serve the business community, by providing effective connections that enhance advocacy, business development and community investment in the Chester County area and the surrounding region.

Seeking Member Perspectives to Support Business

We are seeking members who would like to share perspective on ways to support your business, to feature in our upcoming newsletters for our readers.

If you are interested in sharing subject matter expertise focused on improving the workplace, uplifting neighborhoods in our region, and issues relevant to the changing needs of our business community please email Marguerite DeGrassa, at [email protected]

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

SBA Resources

Approved and funded by the SBA, find local resource partners near you at SBA.gov/local-assistance . SBA offers 1,400+ partner offices nationwide, to provide you with access to the right tools at the right time—wherever you are.

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking for:

Mentorship and advice from volunteer real-world business executives
Free online workshops and webinars

SCORE Business Mentors

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking for:

Free business consulting to get started or grow
Low-cost training on crucial topics

America's Small Business Development Center

Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center

If you are an aspiring or current woman small business owner looking for:

Comprehensive training and counseling on a variety of topics in several languages
Business advice to level the playing field against unique challenges or obstacle

Women's Business Center at ASSETS

WBEC East

Chatham University Center for Women's Entrepreneurship

If you are a veteran of the US military or a military spouse in need of:

Counseling or transition assistance
Training and advice to start or grow your business, or purchase a new business
Resource referrals

Veterans Business Outreach Center at University of Maryland

SBA Also Offers:

A variety of online courses to help you start and run your business through SBA's Learning Center.

T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined training is specifically designed to accelerate growth and support the expansion of your business. The reimagined format removes the one-size fits all model in exchange for engagement, problem-solving, and peer-to-peer interaction within the cohorts.

The SBA works with federal agencies to award at least 23% of all prime government contracting dollars each year to small businesses that are certified with the SBA’s contracting programs. Learn more and determine your eligibility for federal contracts with certifications.

To learn more about the business resources listed AND MORE that SBA is currently offering, click here.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Two Birds Cafe

Two birds cafe is a family-run, scratch kitchen offering breakfast and lunch classics with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.

Born and raised in the Downingtown/West Chester area, the creative duo, Jess and Justin, of Two Birds Cafe in West Chester, have called Chester County home their entire lives. Justin has had a passion for the food industry since he started as a dishwasher in a restaurant at 15 years old. From that moment on, he knew that crafting delicious cuisines in a kitchen is where he would thrive.

Jess, like Justin, knew from a young age that the creative world of cuisine is where she wanted to grow. After attending Ithaca College, Jess made the decision to enroll in and attend culinary school. From there, it was history.

The husband and wife team dreamed about opening a breakfast and lunch spot for over five years. They wanted to remain local and establish a cozy neighborhood atmosphere while offering food that they themselves would enjoy in their home. With their affinity for seasonal ingredients, dishes made from scratch, and even sourcing and creating the jams for toast, they would begin to build their menu. With Justin and Jess’s passion for food, they would come to create the most comforting breakfast and pastry menu that would soon be brought to reality at Two Birds Cafe.

Two Birds Cafe is a big believer in offering locally sources goods, from eggs, to honey, to coffee and more! If you did not get a chance to grab a coffee yesterday to celebrate National Coffee Day, be sure to include Two Birds Cafe in your plans this weekend for a fresh cup of coffee and breakfast or lunch!

The Chester County Chamber greatly appreciates Two Birds Cafe for their Chamber membership and involvement in our community.