DEI - Professional Equity Program Application
Goal: To provide potential Melbourne Regional Chamber partners in under served communities/ demographics with the opportunity to join the Chamber thus diversifying our base while offering financial assistance and engaging programming exposure
QUALIFIERS (potential partner):
. • Diverse owned businesses as defined on the attached
• Small Business as defined as 20 or less employees
• Must have been in business for at least 6 months
• Registered on Sunbiz
• Brevard County-based
• Completion of MRC partner application including required 250 word essay on goals for joining MRC and using the DEI sponsorship
• Interview and qualification meeting with MRC Director of Business Development
• Approval by DEI Task Force
BENEFITS (estimated value $1,000):
• Full year’s basic partnership account dues $50 application fee paid in full
• 5 tickets to attend Good Morning Space Coast Monthly Breakfast
• One-year SCORE business consulting
• One Supporter Sponsorship at a monthly MRC Small Business Council
• Logo recognition on pre-event marketing material including event registration flyer on website and social media • Opportunity to speak briefly at event, not to exceed one minute
PROCESS (upon receipt of application):
• Director of Business Development will schedule a preliminary meeting to discuss benefits of partnership, qualifications, expectations and obligations. Prospect will also be given the opportunity to ask questions. Upon agreement on both sides, Director will present application(s) to the taskforce at monthly meetings for a majority vote
• If approved, candidate will be notified and standard MRC on-boarding process started (including Ambassador assignment) in addition to SCORE mentor introduction as outlined below
COMMITMENT:
• 2 year commitment to MRC partnership (first year sponsored, second year independent)
• Commitment to attend at least 5 GMSCs, 1 Small Business Council
• Commitment to meet with assigned MRC Ambassador
• Commitment to one year’s free SCORE mentorship