Sunday Conversation with Stephanie Quiñones, President of the River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce

In 2021, the River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce (RVBCC) began taking shape in Columbus after local advocates connected with statewide Black chamber leaders and identified a pressing need: a dedicated organization focused on supporting and elevating minority-owned businesses in the River Valley region. Today, the chamber is growing, stabilizing, and charting a path toward a stronger, more inclusive business ecosystem.

This week’s Sunday Conversation sits down with RVBCC President Stephanie Quiñones, who joined the chamber at its inception and now leads its mission to empower small business owners across Columbus and Muscogee County.

Q: Stephanie, let’s start with history. How did the River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce get its start?

Quiñones: My understanding is that prior efforts existed to form a Black chamber in Columbus, but the version we know today began in 2021. Local leaders were working with the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers and received guidance, support, and inspiration to establish a chapter here. That structure, vision, and direction helped launch the River Valley Black Chamber officially in August 2021.

Q: And when did you personally become involved?

Quiñones: I joined as a member in August 2021. Very quickly, I became engaged in leadership—first in the government relations space and eventually stepping into the president’s role.

Q: As president, how do you see the RVBCC fitting into the larger business landscape of Columbus and Muscogee County?

Quiñones: Initially, I stepped in to help identify government benefits, grants, and resources available to minority business owners. As a small business owner myself, I understood the gaps firsthand.

When ARPA funding came around, many business owners simply didn’t have the knowledge, documentation, or preparation required to successfully apply. That’s where the chamber steps in—connecting people to resources, training, and opportunities they may not know exist.

Q: Do you currently have a working relationship with the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce?

Quiñones: We made attempts early on, but there were bumps in the road. They’re under new leadership now, and the relationship has improved. We’ve met with them to explore partnerships.

As an emerging chamber, we’re volunteer-led. They have access to resources we don’t. It only makes sense to collaborate so that our members—many of whom are first-time business owners—can access high-level information, support, and opportunities.

Q: How many Black-owned businesses do you estimate are in the Columbus area?

Quiñones: I don’t have an exact count. We currently have about 55 active members, and we’re working to grow that.

Q: What strategies are you using to grow membership in 2026?

Quiñones: Tangible impact. People respond when they see results. That means not just meetings or weekly calls—it means offering grants, real resources, real business development opportunities.

When owners see the chamber providing funding, information, and access that helps their business grow, membership becomes a value-added investment rather than an obligation.

Q: Have you experienced hesitancy from Black-owned businesses when it comes to joining?

Quiñones: Yes—absolutely, and I want to be transparent about that.
There is often skepticism when it comes to Black organizations. Some minority-owned businesses join regional chambers easily but hesitate when it comes to joining the Black Chamber.

We’re working to overcome that by demonstrating consistent value. Our recent successes have helped shift perceptions. When owners see what we’re delivering, the hesitation begins to fade.

Q: Is membership limited only to Black-owned businesses?

Quiñones: No. Membership is open. However, much of the funding we receive is specifically earmarked for minority-owned businesses. We make sure those dollars reach the communities they’re intended for.

Q: You offer several programs like the Economic Roundtable and Thursday Talks. How do these help entrepreneurs?

Quiñones: Our Thursday Talks and Economic Roundtable give entrepreneurs a platform to share their services, learn best practices, and gain information critical to business growth.

Our VP of Business Affairs gives guidance on tax preparation, write-offs, and what documents you need to apply for grants. We also host marketing workshops with partners like WRBL or other media outlets that offer direct support and deals to our members.

And we’re not done. Just this week, I met with our VP of Member Experience, Dr. Rocky Marsh, and we’ll soon announce new opportunities for business owners.

Q: In your view, what are the biggest challenges facing Black entrepreneurs in this region?

Quiñones: Knowledge.
People don’t always know where to go, what to do, or how to operate legitimately.

A lot of businesses closed during COVID simply because they didn’t have the documentation required for relief funds. Many owners didn’t have separate business accounts, proper filings, or basic structure.

You can say you have a business—but if you can’t walk into a bank and provide what’s needed to qualify for a loan or grant, you’re not operating as a business. That’s the tough truth people don’t talk about.

Q: Where do you envision the River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce in the next five years?

Quiñones: By year five, I want us to be fully operational, recognized, and respected. I want people to know who we are—not say, “I didn’t know we had a Black Chamber.”

My hope is to hand over an organization that is thriving, not questioned. One that’s visible, present, and making measurable impact in every part of the community.

Q: Final question. What message do you want to send to Black business owners—especially those hesitant about joining the chamber?

Quiñones:
Take the risk. If you’re bold enough to open a business, be bold enough to join a network that can help you grow it.

The networking alone is priceless. The people you meet—even at a single mixer—can change your business. The resources, the information, the opportunities that come from simply being in the room are tremendous.

And understand this: sometimes the help you need doesn’t come from where you expect. You must be open. You must be willing to connect across cultures, across industries, and across experiences.

If you believe in your business, take the next step. We’re here to help you move forward.