On a recent Thursday afternoon, Cornerstone Alliance held an event to celebrate winning the 2022 Women’s Business Center of the Year Award for the state of Michigan. The award that is presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration was presented at the 18th Annual Gala on Tuesday and a local celebration was held on May 5th at the Cornerstone Alliance office downtown Benton Harbor.
Brandon Campbell is the director of the Women’s Business Center and acquired the role in 2020. He’s since found innovative ways to engage with the community and allow the process to run smoother for those that are looking to establish a business in southwest Michigan. Campbell is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas
We caught up with Brandon and he had this to say, “The major takeaway for winning the award is that we’ve been intentional since I arrived in 2020. I wanted to build something that is focused on BIPOC communities especially black entrepreneurs as well as continue to be the organization for women in the area. I saw the opportunity for growth for African American entrepreneurs. I wanted to make sure we are providing as much assistance as possible. Goal: To celebrate, educate, elevate.
One initiative that the WBC has introduced to their clients are pitch competitions, something that has never been done before. Allowing access to marketing resources which women and BIPOC entrepreneurs needed before COVID. Brandon stated that the leadership at Cornerstone Alliance has supported the innovative practices of the WBC, “one of the reasons I came here is because we are in a rural community and we don’t have the luxuries of being in a larger metropolitan area. The confidence and impact would be greater.”
One thing Campbell said he learned about himself is that he’s comfortable being uncomfortable and that’s a trait that he has embraced.
The #GirlDad relocated to the area with his wife and embarked on this journey with a vision and plan. Leaving a positive legacy that can live on forever and this is just the beginning of the success of the WBC. The inaccurate narrative is something that Campbell is striving to change. Willing to take the road less traveled and that’s how you grow.
“Thank you to the leadership for allowing a young man from Little Rock, Arkansas to lead the charge and take the team to the next level. I am truly a part of a flat organization that is better than others with an inclusive environment. And we want to be able to inject that inclusivity into the Benton Harbor and Southwest Michigan Community.”
If you are a woman or minority owned business please consider checking out the WBC at the Cornerstone Alliance. Be a part of the changes that are happening in your own backyard.
By Ronnika J. Williams, MOTM Contributor
