STCC hosts roundtable discussion for businesses owned by people of color

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College welcomed state Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, who hosted a roundtable discussion that put a spotlight on local businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).

Gomez, a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts and former small business owner, moderated the event with Dr. Shai Butler, Interim Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs at STCC. They spoke to an audience composed of business owners and representatives, most of whom identify as BIPOC.

Butler highlighted the resources for businesses available at STCC, including internships, workforce training programs and technical assistance. Gomez noted that in addition to STCC, other local resources that advocate for BIPOC businesses include the Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce, with a location in Springfield, and the community organization Black and Brown Wall Street.

The event, held on March 11 in the Forum of the Student Learning Commons, drew about 30 people. Dr. John B. Cook, president of STCC, welcomed Gomez and guests to the historic Learning Commons, also known as Building 19. The 160-year-old building was renovated and reopened in 2018.

“We were only in it for a year before the pandemic hit,” Cook said. “We are thrilled to be back and be a host for this important forum where we can talk about business, and in particular, the businesses of communities of color.”

While the discussion covered a range of issues facing BIPOC businesses, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored much of the discussion.

Gomez noted Springfield – and the nation itself – shut down almost exactly two years ago in March 2020 when the pandemic was declared.

“We’re in a position where we are trying to figure out how to commingle with COVID-19,” Gomez said. “We’re trying to coexist.”

Gomez said holding a roundtable discussion was important to find out how he and his fellow legislators can help businesses throughout the Commonwealth. He said he wants to understand “what’s happening on the grassroots level.”

The forum drew a diverse group of business owners within the BIPOC community. One businesswoman brought her team which includes people from shelters, those who were formerly incarcerated and “given second chances.”

“As a small business owner and consultant, it was important for me to be part of the conversation taking place between STCC, the community and local government. Gilberto Amador, President/CEO of Amador Foundation Inc

Audrin Desardouin, owner of the men’s clothing store L&A Fine Men’s Shop, came to the forum to find out how businesses like his can get support during difficult times. He talked about some of the struggles he has faced during the pandemic.

“A long time ago, Springfield used to have a lot of men’s clothing stores, and they all disappeared like in every other city,” Desardouin said. “I’m here to stay, and  I need all kinds of support from the city to keep me here. For the past two years, we have had a lot of issues – a lot of problems – with the business. I do my best to keep the business running. I put all my effort into the business but I do need some help from the city.”

Gilberto Amador, president and CEO of Amador Foundation Inc., said the forum opened his eyes to STCC resources for business owners such as mentorship, training and professional development.

“As a small business owner and consultant, it was important for me to be part of the conversation taking place between STCC, the community and local government,” he said. “STCC has been a vital partner and pillar in our community as it pertains to academic resources and opportunities for lifelong learners. This meeting opens the lines of communication that need to take place between academia and government to create access for our community. More of these kinds of events need to take place.  

Jose Claudio, chief operating officer for New North Citizen’s Council Inc., said he was excited to hear what STCC is doing to help businesses. “I learned about the businesses that are helping other businesses and the start of the Latino Chamber,” said Claudio.

Gomez noted that STCC itself is an important resource for businesses. He spoke about how the college helped him and called STCC “the lifeblood for Springfield for a very long time.”

“STCC has been a place where I learned how to become an entrepreneur and got a couple of skills from different programs that STCC offered. I’m happy to be here in a place I call home.,” he said.

The roundtable discussion offered Dr. Butler a chance to ask Gomez questions. But the senator also asked questions about how STCC can offer technical assistance. STCC – the only technical community college in the Commonwealth – is the most affordable higher education institution in Springfield and is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution.

Butler said the college offers a number of professional development opportunities. The Workforce Development Center, for example, provides a range of courses and classes for small businesses. Some programs offer short-term training opportunities for employees and owners.

“We have a history of helping entrepreneurs,” she said.

In addition, STCC offers free virtual programs to help with leadership development. The college brings in national experts to speak on a range of topics, including leadership, women in leadership and issues that are important to BIPOC communities, Butler said.

Butler also highlighted an online tool called Career Coach, which helps connect job seekers with employers.

One attendee, Dr. Lomax R. Campbell, traveled from Rochester, N.Y., for the discussion. Campbell, the founding President and CEO of Third Eye Network, LLC, an innovative multicultural strategy consortium serving a diverse multisector clientele, spoke to STCC faculty and staff in January as part of a professional development day.

In his work, he assists businesses in smaller towns and cities create a community-based approach to economic development. He is expanding his consulting work into Western Massachusetts.

“The senator gets it,” Campbell said. “He realizes we do need to shift how resources flow, how information flows, and who we strategically and intentionally target for support.”

“I thought it was important having the juxtaposition of Dr. Butler and Sen. Gomez because of the role that the community college plays in local economic development,” he said.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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