At the Black Chamber of Memphis, our work is rooted in a clear belief: when we invest in people, we strengthen the city’s entire ecosystem. Through our Business Booster Program, we’re not only supporting today’s entrepreneurs. We are intentionally building pathways for the next generation to step into opportunity, ownership, and long-term sustainability.
That vision came to life through our recent support of two local high school culinary arts programs, where technical skill meets creativity and where future chefs, managers, and business owners are already taking shape.
Connecting Business to the Next Generation
The Business Booster Program is designed to equip food, hospitality, and tourism businesses with the tools to grow and sustain. But growth does not start at the point of business ownership. It starts with exposure, access, and early investment in talent.
By extending support to culinary programs at Sheffield Career & Technical Center and Craigmont High School, we are creating a direct bridge between workforce development and entrepreneurship. This ensures students are not only prepared for careers, but positioned to lead.
Investing in Talent and Elevating the Classroom
As part of this effort, both schools received targeted grant awards to strengthen their programs and expand opportunity for students. This approach directly connects resources to real-world learning and achievement.
At Sheffield Career & Technical Center, under the leadership of Instructor John Cooper, students are strengthening their culinary foundation through enhanced, hands-on experiences. A $500 grant was awarded to support the purchase of additional cooking supplies. This equips students with the tools needed to refine their skills and gain practical, kitchen-based experience that translates into future careers.
At Craigmont High School, led by Instructor Jarchella Y. Miller, excellence is already on full display. Students recently earned six first-place wins at the SkillsUSA State Competition across both culinary and entrepreneurial categories. This demonstrates not only technical ability, but a clear understanding of how to turn skill into opportunity. Building on that success, the school was awarded a $1,600 grant to support their participation in the national competition in Atlanta this June.
As they prepare to take that momentum to the national stage, these students carry more than talent. They represent the future of Memphis’ business community.
More Than Support. A Strategic Investment
This work is about more than funding. It is about alignment.
By connecting Business Booster to culinary education, we are reinforcing a full pipeline from classroom to career and from skill-building to business ownership. It is a model that reflects how we approach economic growth with intention, collaboration, and long-term impact in mind.
Because when students are equipped early, businesses are stronger later.
And when we build both at the same time, Memphis moves forward together.
