The Black Business Association of Memphis

The Black Business Association (BBA) is the largest organization of minority and women-owned business professionals in the mid-south. Other BBA members include churches, economic development organizations, and corporations that strive to achieve empowerment through entrepreneurship. The non-profit group was formed in June 1974 by Rev. Ezekiel Bell, Roy F. Briggs Jr., Lester L. Drake, Robert Harris, Clyde Jones, Sonny Townsend, Clark E. Walker, Charles Williams, Harold Woods and others. Their vision states: "To make the BBA the acknowledged focal point for minority business development and insure increase opportunity for our members."

Services

Services provided to members include:

# Marketing and Public Relations: promote member businesses through trade shows, church expos, radio talk shows, and other special events. Collect and distribute requests for products and services to members. Maintain Public Relations Committee and Speaker's Bureau; provide information about local developments in member businesses to mass media and industry/trade journals.

# Information Services: conduct studies to develop new methods and techniques; perform studies to improve products and services; interface with other databases for up-to-date information on small businesses; coordinate requests for bids and other procurement opportunities; provide directories of suppliers and buyers; publish legislative, technical and other bulletins as needed; publish membership directory and newsletter.

# Technical Assistance Program: free consultation services for businesses; access to professional support organizations regarding business management; seminars and workshops presenting current and relevant business opportunities.

# Education: sponsor short courses, clinics, seminars, workshops; provide AV training and training materials, tests and manuals for employee training; provide scholarships.

External links

* [http://www.bbamemphis.org The Black Business Association of Memphis]
* [http://www.memphislibrary.org/ftsbc/where/bba3.htm Business & Science Department of the Memphis Public Library]