By Eagle Times Staff
Laconia – With a little help, the Business Alliance for People of Color is bridging the gap minority-owned businesses face and raising awareness.
On Thursday, the Bank of New Hampshire announced it is contributing $5,000 to the alliance’s second annual BAPOC Business Expo.
The Business Alliance for People of Color’s mission is to convene, support, advocate for and promote New Hampshire businesses owned by people of color, according to the Bank of New Hampshire. Using representatives from the community, this non-profit organization leverages local, state and federal resources to expand diversity, equity and inclusion across the state. This includes wealth building and social capital for the betterment of New Hampshire’s minority-owned businesses, underserved communities and economic vitality.
The BAPOC Business Expo features entrepreneurs of color exhibiting their products and services, along with an exhibit hall, restaurants and food vendors, entertainment from local artists and financial and speed networking workshops.
“BAPOC’s mission is to make New Hampshire accessible to BAPOC businesses through advocacy, access to resources, networking, and building community,” said Widolfo Arvelo, Chair for the Business Alliance for People of Color New Hampshire. “We are grateful to Bank of New Hampshire for their unwavering support.”
In a prepared statement, the Bank of New Hampshire said it is proud of its partnership with the alliance as it aspires “to remain an independent mutual financial institution, delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service, while assisting our employees, customers and communities to build brighter futures.”
The bank, one of the largest and oldest independent banks in the state, has 21 branches and assets exceeding $2 billion.
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