Minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Paducah will receive financial support from a new partnership between West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.
WKCTC President Anton Reece said in a press release the college will invest $18,750 in initiatives at the chamber that “assist with minority memberships, leadership and involvement in chamber activities.” The programs receiving funding include:
Minority chamber membership - 10 businesses @ $500 per business for a total of $5,000
Existing minority business mentor - 10 businesses @ $100 per business for a total of $1,000
Leadership Paducah sponsorship - 1 per year up to $1,500 for three years for a total of $4,500
Washington DC Fly-In sponsorship - 1 per year up to $2,000 for three years for a total of $6,000
Small Business Mastermind Cohort Scholarships - 3 @ $750 for a total $2,250
Chamber President Sandra Wilson said she is excited to work with WKCTC to increase diversity within her organization.
"We work very closely with WKCTC now, but this just helps us as a chamber to be able to expand our program in the community with the goal set by this award that the college received," Wilson said. "We will be very intentional and focused on making sure that these minority memberships are used and that we recruit someone for Leadership Paducah."
The WKCTC Guarantee, the program through which the funds are administered, is supported by a $15 million gift made to the college by billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Reece said the funds are being used in a variety of ways to increase diversity in the college and community.
Find more information about the WKCTC Guarantee here.