Berkshire Black Economic Council

About the Black Economic Council

### BEC’s Mission ###

To cultivate a supportive and thriving Black community in the Berkshires.

### BEC’s Approach ###

The BEC uses our collective resources to foster a healthy economic ecosystem for Black organizations in the Berkshires and create wealth-building opportunities and systems for the Berkshire Black community.

### BEC’s Goals & Initiatives ###

Gather critical feedback and insight from our community through a design thinking process, “ Idea Jam”

Curate additional supportive research in addition to the Idea Jam

Produce and Distribute an Idea Jam Report with the findings and our recommendations to the community and any other stakeholder

Create strategic plan establishing a blueprint for self-determined economic prosperity

### BEC’s Impact Hypothesis ###

We believe creating a Black Economic Council/Black Chamber will result in the creation of an effective, holistic, collaborative approach to the success of black businesses, the black community, and the Berkshire community at large.

Expected Outcomes

1. The official establishment of a Berkshire Black Economic Council/Black Chamber organization

2. Development of a Berkshire Black Success Report which will provide insight into the problems and opportunities to support the prosperity of Black people in the Berkshires.

3. The creation of a cooperative platform that supports Black people, businesses, and commerce within the Berkshires.

4. Establishing the Berkshires as a model for Black Economic Empowerment