According to The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, The CEO Access Network matches established C-suite executives from Chamber member companies with small business owners from underrepresented communities in the Greater Philadelphia region. C-suite executives (also known as Large partners) are encouraged to share advice and introduce their Small partners to new business and social networks in order to create economic opportunity for disability-, LGBTQ+, minority-, veteran-, and women-owned enterprises. While the pairings are expected to last for one program year, they are formed with the hope of establishing “an enduring, mutually beneficial relationship for both partners moving forward.” There are 213 alumni of the CEO Access Network, to date. This year, the Chamber’s program started on November 18, 2022 and ended on June 7, 2023.
In an article titled, Announcing the FY22-23 CEO Access Network Cohort, the Chamber proudly congratulated this most recent cohort of CEO Access Network partners, including Aliya Hammond, President and CEO of Aliya Hammond Consulting, a social media marketing, training and management firm headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia area and certified MBE and women-owned business. Through participation in the network, Aliya met her Large business partner, Russ Starke, CEO of Think Company. Experts in UI/UX design, development, and product management, the Think Company team is headquartered in Philadelphia and works nationally across multiple time zones.
Known as the “foreman” of Think Company, “Russ channels passion and broad experience to articulate vision and drive specific action. His goal is to rid the world of poorly designed experiences one project at a time – using authenticity, empathy, and a keen ability to make the complex simple.” Aliya values her partnership with Russ and is so grateful for the advice and support he has provided through the Chamber’s CEO Access Network.
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia notes that participants in the CEO Access Network are encouraged to interact and touch base with one another throughout the program and beyond, (including an end of summer get together this August). Participants also meet collectively in an in-person setting four times during the year to network and discuss their partnerships’ goals, activities, business opportunities, and relevant topics, such as best practices for business growth. To learn more, click here.
Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 CEO Access Network cohort!
If you are a small business owner from underrepresented populations in the Greater Philadelphia area (disability-, LGBTQ-, minority-, veteran-, and women-owned) and want to participate in this year’s cohort, the deadline to apply is Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 11:59 PM. Click here to learn more!
You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training and Coaching, Blog Writing, Video and Audiogram Production, and Graphic/Web Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
