At CCEDC, we help advance the smart economic growth and prosperity of our county and region. For us that means helping all individuals–workers, students, business owners, and professionals–access the resources they need to grow their companies, earn a livelihood, and pursue the careers of their dreams.
We are committed to addressing the barriers faced by underserved and underrepresented populations. In 2021-2022 we launched our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and have been acting on it throughout the year. This is just the beginning.
The Birth of a Champion
When CCEDC asked the business community to nominate Chester County businesses for thousands of dollars in free professional services, the nominations rolled in immediately. The newly created CCEDC program called New Business Champions focused on new or emerging businesses, with priority given to underrepresented businesses during the application process. 51 businesses were served across Chester County, including:
- 26 minority-owned businesses
- 23 women-owned businesses
- 14 entrepreneurs without a college degree or returning from prolonged unemployment
This phase of the program was funded by the Chester County Workforce Development Board, and CCEDC has been approved to continue the program in 2023 with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Welcome to 190 West Business Resource Center
190 West Business Resource Center in Coatesville is officially open for business! More than 100 people from across the community gathered for a celebration of National Black Business Month and the grand opening in August.
Serving small business owners and entrepreneurs with free access to business coaching in such areas as financing, human resources, marketing and more, 190 West Business Resource Center is a partnership among the CCEDC, West Chester University and the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center.
Services at 190 West Business Resource Center are by appointment to accommodate the schedules of entrepreneurs who may be working additional jobs as they grow or get their new businesses off the ground. In addition to free, one-on-one coaching, the center will hold workshops on financing, business development, marketing and management strategies.
CCEDC partnered with Clayton Kellum, owner of Built Fitness in Downingtown, to celebrate National Black Business Month. Local entrepreneurs and business owners gathered to inspire one another, network and learn about CCEDC’s business support services.
West Chester-based IrieVeda Spices is among the recipients of free professional services through CCEDC’s New Business Champions program. The business received marketing support strategy through qualified experts, resulting in publicity in the Philadelphia Business Journal and VISTA.Today.
