Meet the Woman Helping Phoenix to Rise as a Hub for Black Entrepreneurship

Dr. Velma Trayham and the Black Chamber of Arizona Increase Accelerator to Empower Black and Minority-Owned Companies Throughout the State and Nation

Nationwide — Phoenix is cementing its standing as one of many nation’s fastest-growing hubs for Black entrepreneurship, thanks largely to the work of the Black Chamber of Arizona, led by powerhouse CEO Dr. Velma Trayham. This month, the Chamber launched the third cohort of its signature enterprise accelerator, Influence AZ 2025, advancing its mission to create financial pathways for underserved entrepreneurs throughout Arizona and past.

“This work isn’t nearly applications — it’s about affect,” stated Dr. Velma Trayham. “We’re constructing a legacy of financial mobility that stretches throughout communities and generations.”Dr. Velma Trayham: Enterprise Builder. Nationwide Chief.

Dr. Trayham is not any novice relating to constructing companies — she’s a enterprise builder. As a nationally revered advisor to authorities companies and Fortune 500 firms, she’s spent her profession designing techniques that unlock entry to capital, mentorship, and markets for underserved founders.

She can be the founding father of a number of high-performing enterprises and the visionary behind the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, which has helped over 8,000 entrepreneurs nationwide begin, develop, and scale their companies.

With Influence AZ, Dr. Trayham has constructed a scalable, results-driven curriculum now housed within the Influence AZ cell app, making enterprise training extra accessible than ever for minority entrepreneurs throughout the nation.

Chamber with a Nationwide Footprint

Whereas headquartered in Phoenix, the Black Chamber of Arizona’s membership spans the nation, with enterprise homeowners from coast to coast becoming a member of to faucet into its strategic sources, coaching, and company community.

The Influence AZ 2025 Accelerator has already helped alumni generate over $5 million in new contracts and income. This yr’s 23 new cohort members — chosen from over

500 candidates — will full a nine-month, no-cost accelerator that includes contract-readiness coaching, company mentorship, and executive-level teaching.

A Excessive-Powered Management Staff

The Black Chamber of Arizona has curated a board of visionary, senior-level leaders who assist drive this motion ahead:

• Ryan Garlington, Co-Chair and Senior Chief, Cox Communications• Christine Abdulla, Senior Government, Financial institution of America• Shamia Lodge, Nationwide Advocate for Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs• Dr. Sharon Smith, Senior Government, Arizona State College

Along with Dr. Trayham, this management group is redefining what inclusive financial growth appears like.

Closing Gaps, Opening Doorways

Regardless of Black Arizonans comprising 5% of the state’s inhabitants, they account for only one% of employer-owned corporations — a statistic the Chamber is decided to alter by way of applications like Influence AZ.

“Arizona is house to untapped genius and limitless ambition in our Black communities,” stated Dr. Trayham. “We’re unlocking it — and placing it to work.”

Supported by top-tier companions together with Cox Communications, Financial institution of America, APS, SRP, Nationwide Financial institution of Arizona, and Arizona State College, Influence AZ continues to scale in each attain and outcomes.

About Dr. Velma TrayhamDr. Velma Trayham is a nationally acclaimed enterprise builder, strategist, and advisor to authorities and Fortune 500 leaders. She is the CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, founding father of Millionaire Mastermind Academy, and creator of the Influence AZ curriculum. Her work has empowered over 8,000 entrepreneurs throughout the U.S. and continues to reshape financial alternative for underserved communities.

In regards to the Black Chamber of ArizonaFounded in 1995, the Black Chamber of Arizona champions small companies throughout theU.S. by way of high-impact programming, strategic partnerships, and long-lasting financial initiatives. With a rising nationwide membership, the Chamber is scaling its affect whereas deepening its affect in Arizona by way of initiatives like Influence AZ.

Be taught extra concerning the chamber at BlackChamberAZ.org

Additionally, make sure to observe the chamber on Instagram and Fb