Utah Black Chamber Financial Capacity
Cohort III
February 2025 - July 2025
A CFO-Driven financial transformation initiative empowering Chamber Member businesses through strategic planning, financial literacy, and operational best practices.
Program Overview
1
Financial Foundations
Optimize credit, manage cash flow, analyze financial statements, plan taxes, and prepare for capital acquisition.
2
Strategic Business Planning
Refine business models, ensure legal compliance, develop pricing strategies, plan for growth, and build scalable systems.
3
Implementation & Review
Create personalized growth plans, conduct business assessments, develop success roadmaps, and receive ongoing mentorship.
This comprehensive 6-month virtual cohort is customized to elevate the finance functions of Chamber Member businesses through hands-on support, helping owners transition from daily operations to structured expansion.
Cohort III Participant Breakdown
Start-Ups (44%)
Blendyd Studios, GNectar Publishing LLC, Seoul House Pilates, Utah Affiliated LLC
Small Business (22%)
Measure Twice Construction, Trident Concierge Services
Mid-Size Business (22%)
Rhys Hair Loft, SG Therapeutic Services
Non-Profit (11%)
Let's Help the Next
Program Benefits
Enhanced Financial Competence
Build confidence in cash flow management, tax planning, and funding preparation with practical tools that strengthen decision-making.
Improved Business Structure
Formalize operations, implement risk management, and establish scalable growth frameworks as your business expands.
Capital Readiness
Master how to access, manage, and leverage funding effectively with expert guidance on loans, grants, and investments.
Strategic Growth Plan
Receive a customized, actionable roadmap tailored to your specific business needs that enables sustainable expansion.
Network Access
Connect with like-minded business owners while gaining access to trusted experts, mentors, and community resources.
Long-Term Impact
Position your business to create jobs, increase revenue, and contribute meaningfully to local economic development.
Start-Up Success Stories
1
Blendyd Studios
Morgan Williams transformed from a tech-only model to a scalable HR consultancy with automation tools. Developed a three-tiered consulting framework, streamlined processes, and addressed B2B communication challenges.
Key Achievement: Established focused growth strategy and enhanced operational efficiency for sustainable expansion.
2
GNectar Publishing LLC
Christina "Nubia" Leslie refined core business practices including tax compliance and financial tracking while developing mission-driven initiatives like youth publishing programs and reentry support through storytelling.
Key Achievement: Blended entrepreneurship with cultural advocacy, creating sustainable revenue strategies ready to scale impact-driven publishing.
Growth Through Transformation
Rhys Hair Loft
Chimere Seales-Rhys built the foundation for Utah's first textured hair-focused cosmetology school while strengthening her successful salon business.
  • Developed dual-certification training program aligned with new state regulations
  • Explored S-Corp restructuring for tax efficiency
  • Created new revenue streams through education
Seoul House Pilates
Navigated startup challenges to build a thriving pilates studio focused on inclusive wellness practices.
  • Developed multiple revenue streams and refined pricing models
  • Implemented membership options aligned with studio capacity
  • Achieved 43% increase in monthly revenue
Service Business Transformations
SG Therapeutic Services
Sarah Harris strengthened financial systems, optimized operations, and positioned for sustainable growth.
  • Refined tax structure and improved bookkeeping practices
  • Restructured team roles and expanded referral partnerships
  • Reduced clinical workload to focus on leadership growth
Trident Concierge Services
Junior Leonce improved profitability and expanded service offerings across markets.
  • Refined pricing model and upgraded financial tracking tools
  • Developed luxury property management and concierge subscriptions
  • Explored real estate opportunities in Utah and Barbados
Transformation Highlights
Measure Twice Construction
James Dunn transformed his partnership remodeling business into a structured, growth-ready enterprise.
Refined business model and improved financial reporting systems
Strengthened partnership agreements and tax strategy
Explored real estate investment and business acquisition opportunities
Built foundation for financial sustainability and loan readiness
Let's Help the Next
Mishma Buisson strengthened her nonprofit's funding model, operational structure, and long-term strategy.
Refined vision for supporting international students with need-based aid
Developed sustainable fundraising systems and built grant readiness
Advanced board development and sponsorship outreach
Positioned for expanded student programming and national impact
Utah Affiliated LLC: Building a Lifestyle Brand
Tyrone Nixon's Transformation Journey
Balancing family, multiple part-time jobs, and entrepreneurship to build a sustainable lifestyle brand.
Brand Clarity
Defined target audience and unique value proposition
Digital Presence
Launched Shopify store and secured domain names
Event Strategy
Planned pop-up events and community engagement
Key challenges addressed: credit repair, time management, inventory investment, and leveraging digital marketing tools for consistent growth.
Previous Cohort Testimonial
Juah Apparel: A Game-Changer Story
"This program has been a game-changer for my business, Juah Apparel, driving incredible growth and redefining our potential in just a few months. When I started the program, I knew little about managing finances, but the one-on-one sessions with my mentor not only gave me the tools to understand and strengthen the financial health of my business but also empowered me to think bigger."
"This program didn't just improve my business—it boosted my confidence to pitch boldly at major competitions, resulting in significant wins and prestigious awards."
— Princess Bombyck, CEO, Juah Apparel
Sheer Ambrosia Bakery: A Sweet Success Story
"…As the sole founder, it has been invaluable to have someone with extensive business knowledge to turn to for support. Entrepreneurship can often be a lonely and taxing journey, so knowing that I have someone in my corner to help me navigate new opportunities has been a game changer. This kind of support is invaluable, especially for someone who didn’t major in business in college. It’s a blessing to run a successful team with the confidence that I have expert guidance in areas where I am not as experienced. I am deeply grateful for the program…"
"Since joining, I’ve had the privilege of receiving expert coaching across all aspects of my business."
— Rita Magalde, Owner, Sheer Ambrosia Bakery