Same Sky ID3A Jam
Thursday, June 2, 5-8pm
Springfield Innovation Center
276 Bridge Street, Springfield, Massachusetts
The Association of Black Business Professionals of Massachusetts and Team R3SET are gathering leaders from across Hamden County to discuss how we can create more business opportunities and contracts from anchor institutions to minority business.
About The ID3A Jam
The Same Sky Success ID3A Jam is a gathering and design thinking session between Black and Brown businesses and Anchor institutions to share ideas and solutions to existing challenges within BIPOC business in Springfield.
The ID3A Jam process gives voice to Black (BIPOC) businesses in Springfield.
We know you are the backbone of our city, and we want to know how we can better create an environment where you can sustain and succeed.
If you are a business that has said “I have good ideas” but thought you did not have the venue to be heard, the Same Sky ID3A Jam is for you.
If you want a place to network and meet with large companies and organizations that can help with information, tools, and resources for your business, the Same Sky ID3A Jam is for you.
Your ideas and solutions will have an impact.
About The Problem
COVID-19 Pandemic had a devastating effect on Black (BIPOC) businesses and need additional support in order to sustain and thrive post-pandemic.
In addition, the lack of access to essential resources, knowledge, and social capital, limits the prosperity of businesses and the advancement potential for its employees and community.
The disparities in lending practices to Black-owned businesses, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic, prevent companies from continuing to successfully operate or adapt to the challenges of the pandemic.
Black (BIPOC) businesses should have more opportunities to do business with larger companies through supplier diversity contracts.
It is time we come together as a Springfield Community to work together and make sure all businesses thrive in our community.
We need your help to make this happen!
Be a catalyst for change
The Same Sky ID3A Jam’s purpose is to give voice to Black (BIPOC) business community of Springfield.
The Same Sky Success ID3A Jam is a gathering and design thinking session for Black and Brown businesses, Anchor institutions, and other community leaders to share ideas and address challenges within Springfield, MA.
Scope of The Same Sky ID3A Jam
Hear From The Organizers
The Goals
Provide a space for BIPOC businesses to share their stories and insights on what resources, tools, and support they need to sustain and succeed.
Network, Connect and Celebrate with Black (BIPOC) businesses, black organizations, large companies, policymakers, thought leaders, and more.
Develop strategies and ideas that will lead Springfield companies to become more inclusive in their business contracting.
Identify and design innovative tools and resources to support Black (BIPOC) businesses to grow and thrive.
Listening to and learning from BIPOC small businesses about the needs, barriers, and opportunities to designing an ecosystem that helps them thrive.
Design Policy and Implementation Strategies that will support a healthy ecosystem for BIPOC businesses
Design Vendor Development Strategies through education and other vendor development efforts to build the capacity of BIPOC small businesses.
Bring New Perspectives towards Accessible On-Ramps: Design thinking around creating accessible on-ramps to corporate supplier diversity programs for Black and Brown entrepreneurs facing challenges
Discuss accountability measures and benchmarks for Springfield Anchor Institutions that align with their “impact purchasing commitments”
Who is this for?
Minority-Owned Businesses who want to be heard, share ideas, and make a difference that will positively impact you and other BIPOC businesses.
Black Business Member Organizations who serve the interest of Black (BIPOC) businesses and the community, and who want to share new ideas and innovative perspectives.
BIPOC Researchers and Thought Leaders who want to provide new ideas, innovative perspectives, and insights to this ID3A Jam session.
Leaders of Economic Development Organizations who serve small businesses and want to gain insight into the needs and support of Black and Brown organizations in a fun and informative way.
Leaders of Policy and State Officials who want to gain insight into the needs of Black and Brown businesses and want to create new and innovative policies that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Leaders of Anchor Institutions/Corporations who want to increase their investment and provide more business opportunities to Black (BIPOC) businesses in Springfield.
What’s in it for you? Event Benefits
Opportunity to get a $10,000 grant for your business (link) through the “Same Sky Venture Business Empowerment Program.”
Networking with other businesses, companies, BIPOC organizations, policymakers, and community influencers.
Share ideas that will positively impact you and other Black (BIPOC) businesses.
For BIPOC Business attendees, receive a $100 stipend for your time and energy.
For economic development organizations, you can get actionable intelligence from the ID3A Jam participants.
Receive a report with recommendations for all community stakeholders that will energize new programs, services, investments, and resources.
Increase supplier diversity opportunities with Black (BIPOC) businesses.