New Black Chamber of Commerce emerges in Wesley Chapel
- Mark Parker
- May 20
- 3 min read
The Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce has officially launched, serving as a critical conduit between underserved entrepreneurs and essential resources in one of Tampa Bay’s fastest-growing communities.
Founder and CEO Darlene Hill said the chamber has already attracted over 30 members in less than a month of operation. The overarching goal is to create a lasting network that boosts support, visibility, and opportunities for local businesses owned by people of color.
WCBCC’s opening at Signature Workspace Wiregrass in March fills a representation gap in Wesley Chapel, which has seen its population soar by 29% since 2020. The unincorporated area in east Pasco County, roughly 20 miles north of Tampa, now boasts nearly 80,000 residents.
“The push for us is community togetherness and involvement,” Hill said. “It’s really about helping people, because we all need a little help every now and again.”
The new nonprofit allows Hill to “do what I’m passionate about, which is helping people,” she added. After a career in corporate human resources (HR), Hill launched a consultancy business in 2018.
She quickly realized that most entrepreneurs worked full-time for someone else while attempting to get their own venture off the ground. Hill, then a member of various professional organizations, also didn’t receive the “help, resources, and the tools to really help me build my business - anything from just how to network to marketing and budgeting.”
“I’ve been here in Wesley Chapel for 16 years now, so I’ve seen the growth,” she continued. “There are a lot of new businesses popping up. But as a business owner, not having access to those resources kind of prompted me to start this chamber.”
Hill’s first priority is increasing awareness of available resources. However, she doesn’t blame busy entrepreneurs for not identifying potential opportunities.
Time, in Hill’s opinion, is often the primary cause for a disconnect between business owners and resources. “We’re wearing so many different hats that we’re not even aware of different organizations that might be out there,” she said. In addition, many organizations that could offer assistance are “not coming into our area and our communities.”
She emphasized the need to increase visibility for oft-marginalized business owners. The chamber will assist with marketing.
Helping create pathways for sustainable success is another priority. Hill said this could encompass everything from learning how to apply for a business loan to building relationships with bankers.
She also noted the need for underserved entrepreneurs to expand their horizons. WCBCC wants to help them “get their foot in the door” with large organizations, including area health systems and hospitality conglomerates.
“How do we bridge the gap between large businesses and small businesses?” Hill rhetorically asked. That should be an achievable goal, at least to some extent, as Hill said established companies “absolutely want to partner with businesses here in the community.”
“It’s visibility for them, too, and it’s also them giving back to the business community,” she said of large organizations. “It benefits both sides.”
WBCC secured an early partnership with AdventHealth, which is now hosting quarterly workshops, before the official launch. Overworked entrepreneurs often neglect their physical health, Hill said, which in turn impacts their business.
Internal goals include expanding the chamber’s membership, and Hill, currently the sole employee, admitted she is off to a “pretty good” start. More importantly, she wants underserved entrepreneurs to know “they can come to us for help.”
WBCC’s workshops are open to non-members, and Hill noted the chamber welcomes “any business that supports our mission and vision.” She reiterated the importance of serving as a conduit, “here in the community we serve.”
The surrounding community can support WBCC by partnering with the grassroots organization. Wesley Chapel might be the focus, but Hill is open to forging relationships with other chambers throughout Tampa Bay. “It’s a win-win,” she said.
Hill encourages any business owners considering joining WBCC to call, send an email, or attend an event. “They can meet other members and get their take on what the experience has been for them so far,” she added.
“I’m so passionate about this because I’ve been through it,” Hill said. “We are big on making sure our members get a return on their investment.”
For more information about the Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce, visit the website here.
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