About

Who We Are

The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation (GCF) is a registered 501c3 organization that is dedicated to empowering small business owners with the aim of supporting small enterprises to expand their footprint in Gwinnett County. The Foundation focuses on supporting the growth of minority, veteran, and women owned businesses to make an impact in their communities. GCF provides mentorship, guidance, and financial support to businesses through its community partners, to unlock a brighter future for Gwinnett County citizens and communities.

The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation is supported by the Gwinnett Chamber, a five-star accredited organization that was recently named “Chamber of the Year” by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Through this partnership, the Foundation provides effective avenues for business support, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners. It is authorized by its by-laws to engage in activities that are designed to enhance economic prosperity and community sustainability.

What We Need

The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation is at the forefront of advocating for economic inclusion and empowerment within Gwinnett, recognized as the nation’s #1 most diverse county (Niche.com). However, as we strive to fulfill our mission, it is imperative to acknowledge the existing disparities in access to capital faced by minority, veteran, and women-owned small businesses. Data from 2017 reveals that 31.2% of small businesses in Gwinnett are minority-owned. 20.1% are women-owned, and 6.0% are veteran-owned. Looking at national figures, of the 31% of minority-owned small businesses across the U.S., a mere 22.4% of gross receipts originate from these businesses, indicating a profound gap in accessing capital and resources for scalable growth. With the age of this data (2017) and the disruption in reporting caused by the 2020 global pandemic, further research is critical to show the current state of economic disparities faced by minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses in Gwinnett County.

By funding a comprehensive study, the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation can effectively assess the evolving landscape and advocate for targeted interventions to bridge the gap in access to capital. Empowering these underrepresented groups with equitable access to resources not only fosters economic prosperity but also cultivates a more inclusive and resilient business environment, ensuring that all entrepreneurs have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to Gwinnett’s vibrantly connected community.