Chama Capital

Chama Capital turned 4 years old this month! ?? I remember that day (July 14, 2020) pretty vividly. I was alone in my "home office" (a piece of wood on top of two file cabinets in my dining room ??). For several months, I'd been iterating on a business idea focused on increasing access to capital for women-owned businesses, even presenting the synthesis of this early work for the final presentation in one of my last business school classes. I kept hearing things like: "You're onto something." "I love what you're working on, this is so needed." And I heard in customer discovery interviews from women business owners just how painful it is to not have their financing needs met for their growing businesses. So, I completed the incorporation documents and made it official -- and here we are four years later, having helped over 300 women in our company activities. I don't take making it to four years lightly, particularly given the statistic that around 50% of businesses close down within five years. Start-up life is not glamorous. It's arduous and one of the most challenging things I've ever done, but it is also one of the most rewarding and fulfilling. Happy business birthday to me and Chama Capital! ?? #founderjourney #chicagostartup #businessanniversary

I recently had the opportunity to reflect on the steps along my career path that led me to start Chama Capital while speaking on a panel. A theme throughout my career journey has been using finance to increase access and drive equity. My first stop after two years at a big bank was a microfinance fund manager that invests in financial institutions serving underbanked communities globally. ?? I then had the opportunity to start the African operations of an impact investment consulting firm in Accra, Ghana. Through these experiences, I got to see first-hand the impact that a micro-loan can have on entrepreneurs and their families. Given each of these steps on my journey (and being a data nerd), I was encouraged to see the recent report from Kiva finding positive impacts of microfinance on women - that women were 4-6% more likely than men to report they had very much increased in three areas:? ?? Ability to make decisions related to their finance ?? Confidence ?? Ability to achieve a financial goal Microfinance is not the panacea some made it out to be years ago, and, like all financing options, it has its challenges and pros and cons that should be seriously considered. But the numbers speak for themselves and illustrate the importance of increasing access to financing for women. ??

Join us in celebrating the 2024 Mompreneur Kitty Fund Finalists! ?? It's inspiring to see so many dedicated moms balancing personal responsibilities while pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. Kudos to you! Rozalynn Goodwin - Confidence Alisha Williams - YOL You Only Live Kendra Dean - Ren Market Terrina Taylor - Sir Yes Her Joo-Rhee Jacob - Catalyst Recovery and Wellness LLC LaToya Stirrup - KAZMALEJE Abby Stewart - Prosody Performing Arts Management Melissa S. - Modefywear Sabrina Edmon - Bomb Lotus Steam Bar Kayleen Holt - Scissortail Creative Services, LLC Ronke Faleti - korede inc. Kitty Cawiezell - Clear Health Tomma Mueller - Anatomy Tattoo LaToya Carey - Kenneth Grant Inzpirations Kyrie Juchemich - Flour Bakery LLC Flo Elkins - Elevated Truth Enterprises, Inc. dba F.L.O. Life Fitness Samantha Myers - Let's Dress Up LeCole Matchem - A Brighter Side LLC Ashley Kidder - Dashing Maids Sherida Emans - Hunnie's Body Butter Ameka Coleman MS, MBA, CCRP - Strands of Faith Kelley Greene - Avella Beauty Sandra Maldonado - Tows R Us LLC Addie Gundry - Pluie, Inc. #mompreneur?#grantfunding?#motherownedbusiness?#momboss?#momentrepreneur?#momsinbusiness

Bank of America Breakthrough Lab? provides hands-on mentorship to underrepresented #startup founders each year to help grow their businesses. Congratulations to this year’s program graduates! Find out more about this one-of-a-kind impact accelerator program. #BofABreakthroughLab bit.ly/3TRN8hB

Join us on March 20th from 4pm-6pm at the Chicago Center for Arts and Technology for an inspiring #sbdcday Pitch Competition! ?? In celebration of #SBDCDAY, our theme is all about "Nurturing Dreams and Growing Futures." ???? Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply passionate about fostering small business success, this event promises to be both informative and empowering. Don't miss this opportunity to witness innovative pitches, network with like-minded individuals, and support the vibrant small business community. Together, let's champion entrepreneurship and fuel dreams into reality! Mark your calendars and RSVP now! See you there! https://lnkd.in/gkywquYH Thank you so our partners! Illinois SBDC Network Illinois Science and Technology Coalition Chicago Center for Arts & Technology World Business Chicago Chama Capital Wintrust Bank Chicago Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce #SBDC #smallbusiness #Entrepreneurship #PitchCompetition #sbdcday #ChicagoEvents ??

Exciting News, Chicago Entrepreneurs and Business Enthusiasts! ?? We're thrilled to announce that our annual SBDC Day is back, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever! ?? Mark your calendars for March 20th, 2024, and get ready to unlock a world of opportunities at the Chicago Center for Arts and Technology! Join us for a special pitch competition featuring small businesses showcasing their business plans for a chance to win 2 roundtrip tickets courtesy of #southwestairlines and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce! ???? ?? Event Date: March 20th, 2024 ? 4:00pm-6:00pm ?? Location: Chicago Center for Arts and Technology ?? https://lnkd.in/gkywquYH Don't miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of small businesses and network with industry leaders. Reserve your spot today and be part of this exciting event!