Advisory Committee

Community Representation

Corporate Partnerships

Subject-Matter Experts

Purpose

The SSBIPOC Advisory Council provides external insight, expertise, relationships, community perspective, and strategic advice that strengthen the project's ability to serve BIPOC-owned businesses.

The Advisory Council expands the number and diversity of voices contributing to SSBIPOC without giving members responsibility for the project's day-to-day management or formal governance.

It also creates a structured way for respected community, business, corporate, government, and institutional partners to remain connected to SSBIPOC.

Suggested size

8–20 members.

The Advisory Council may grow over time as SSBIPOC develops additional programs, partnerships, industries, and geographic relationships.

Unlike the Steering Committee, the Advisory Council does not need to remain especially small because its primary responsibility is consultation rather than governance.

Potential representation

Membership may include:

• • BIPOC entrepreneurs and established business owners
  • Corporate supplier-diversity representatives
  • Procurement professionals
  • Retail buyers or merchandising professionals
  • Banks, credit unions, CDFIs, and lenders
  • Grantmakers and philanthropic organizations
  • Chambers of commerce and business associations
  • Economic-development organizations
  • Government representatives
  • Educational institutions
  • Workforce-development professionals
  • Business-development organizations
  • Marketing and communications professionals
  • Attorneys, accountants, and other professional-service providers
  • Community leaders
  • Nonprofit executives
  • Industry specialists
  • Former or prospective SSBIPOC program participants
  • Individuals with lived experience navigating barriers to business ownership and growth

The Council should intentionally balance institutional expertise with the voices of entrepreneurs and communities directly affected by the issues SSBIPOC seeks to address.

Role/Responsibilities

The Advisory Council may:

• • Provide insight regarding the needs and experiences of BIPOC-owned businesses.
  • Identify emerging challenges, opportunities, and trends.
  • Recommend resources, programs, partnerships, and strategies.
  • Provide subject-matter expertise.
  • Connect SSBIPOC with organizations, corporations, agencies, funders, and community partners.
  • Identify procurement, contracting, retail, lending, and funding opportunities.
  • Provide feedback on proposed programs and initiatives.
  • Help evaluate whether programs are relevant and responsive to the business community.
  • Serve as ambassadors and advocates for SSBIPOC.
  • Participate in events, panels, workshops, mentoring, or other programs when appropriate.
  • Help increase the visibility and credibility of the project.
  • Recommend potential Steering Committee members, partners, speakers, mentors, or resource providers.

The Advisory Council provides recommendations but does not govern SSBIPOC or independently make binding decisions on behalf of the project.

Committee Charter

The Advisory Council Charter should establish:

• • Purpose
  • Advisory role
  • Membership composition
  • Selection and appointment process
  • Length of service
  • Meeting frequency
  • Participation expectations
  • Confidentiality expectations
  • Conflict-of-interest expectations
  • Ambassador expectations
  • Relationship to the Steering Committee
  • Relationship to the Founder/Project Director
  • Opportunities for participation in Working Committees
  • Process for submitting recommendations
  • Clear statement that the Council is advisory and does not exercise governing authority

Decision Made