Greater Boston Chamber Of Commerce Foundation Inc

Results: Founded in 1983, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation expands economic opportunity by cultivating talent and supporting small businesses, creating a more inclusive economy where all Massachusetts residents can thrive. Through its five signature programs, Massachusetts Apprentice Network, Pacesetters, City Awake, Small Business Strong and Partnership with Boston Public Schools, the Chamber Foundation will be transformative for all people and employers in the Commonwealth, supporting a strong twenty-first century economy and building prosperity and wealth for all. Since its inception, the Chamber Foundation has served approximately 16,000 residents across Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Its initiatives reach a wide and diverse audience, including: (1) un- or under-employed jobseekers who are seeking wealth-building career opportunities that do not require a four-year college degree, (2) local entrepreneurs and small business owners, including those who are seeking access to contracts with large corporate buyers, and (3) young professionals ages 18-34 who are looking to grow their careers and personal networks and become the Commonwealth's future leaders.

Target demographics: Workforce and Talent Development: We champion our region's untapped talent by unlocking lifelong career pathways that generate economic mobility and build generational wealth, with the goal of retaining our region’s valuable workforce. Economic Inclusion: We assist and support small local businesses to drive a community and economy that is successful, diverse, equitable, and resilient. Our programs create best practices to deepen equity, reminding businesses that equity best practices are good for business outcomes.

Direct beneficiaries per year: The Chamber Foundation reaches nearly 1,500 individuals annually through its initiatives and programming.

Geographic areas served: Greater Boston; Massachusetts

Programs: City Awake: Focused on talent retention, City Awake is the Chamber Foundation’s premier young professional platform that awakens and empowers the city’s next generation of thought leaders and change makers who are navigating Boston’s business, civic, and cultural communities. City Awake programs and events are curated to help young professionals build their social capital and professional networks to grow their careers, increase civic involvement, enhance community connection, and plant roots in the region. Massachusetts Apprentice Network: Launched in 2022, the Massachusetts Apprentice Network is a community of practice, building on the Commonwealth’s effort to expand apprenticeship models beyond the building trades. This innovative workforce development program supports employers with adopting, sustaining, and expanding apprenticeships to solve their workforce challenges while creating pathways into wealth-building careers for untapped talent. To do this, the Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources looking to adopt, expand, and sustain apprenticeships to solve workforce needs in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more, while creating pathways to wealth-building careers for untapped talent. Boston Public Schools Partnership: A well-designed partnership between the Boston business community and the school system – one that provides for experiential learning opportunities, curriculum coordination, and financial and human resources – is a critical element for educating Boston’s youth. Through our Principal Partners and Financial Literacy initiatives, the Chamber Foundation invites the Greater Boston business community to engage with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to strengthen our communities and build the workforce of the future. Pacesetters: Launched in 2018, Pacesetters is developing an ecosystem of corporations and anchor institutions with the influence and buying power to transform systemic opportunity for small and local businesses in Massachusetts. By advancing responsible sourcing practices and spend with small local businesses, Pacesetters is a runway for economic inclusion that strengthens our region’s economy. The Foundation’s Pacesetters initiative connects buyers with contract-ready small, local businesses through our Behind the Scenes events, Doing Business Webinars, and Pitch Days. Small Business Strong: Launched in 2020, Small Business Strong is a leading technical assistance initiative that revitalizes and fortifies small businesses through expedited, pro-bono resources. Small Business Strong has served more than 3,600 businesses, preserved nearly 10,000 jobs, and bolstered the health of the region’s small businesses to create an inclusive, dynamic economy.