Case Study: Business Literacy Series

The Business Literacy cohort, led by Darian Scott, at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce is an eight-part program has been intricately designed to empower minority and women-owned companies with vital knowledge and best practices in utilizing banking services, products, and fostering meaningful relationships. Beyond financial literacy, this year (2024), the program expanded to cover marketing/branding, high-level Human Resource training, and a “How to Pitch Your Business” panel.

Their pain points:
❎ Need an expert in marketing and branding to train the cohort on strategy
❎ Need a resource for cohort members who were ready to take action and work on their branding and marketing design
❎ Need to better equip minority and women-owned businesses on how to overcome hurdles to getting their product/service to market and make sales

What they hired me for:
✅ Be in the room as someone to network with cohort members and be a living example that the work works
✅ Facilitate a 2 hour session during the Business Literacy cohort on marketing/branding
✅ Provide resources that cohort members can use after the session, in their businesses

💥 How I overdelivered on my brand promise: provided direct consulting to several of cohort members on their business ideas; attended Business Literacy sessions on finance in order to connect dots with sales and marketing; and offered office hours for any cohort members to reach out with follow-up questions

This project was on my list of highlights in 2024 because every time I step into a room with other entrepreneurs and business owners, I’m reminded of my own journey on this road less traveled. At 12 years old, my grandmother showed me that business ownership was a powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty and living a life of purpose. In her honor, I’ve stay committed to helping as many other entrepreneurs realize their dreams as I can. Each one teach one, as they say! If you want to learn more about this work and the future of it, register for the 2025 Business Literacy Series Kickoff Reception (January 29th, 2025) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-business-literacy-series-kick-off-reception-tickets-1117864425589