Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce awarded $35,000 grant

The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce received a $35,000 grant from the Truist Foundation on Aug. 20th during a check presentation ceremony at the Chamber’s downtown Beaufort headquarters.

Leaders from the Chamber, Truist Bank and the Truist Foundation gathered to highlight the partnership’s impact on supporting minority-owned businesses, preserving cultural heritage and engaging local youth.

“We are deeply grateful for Truist’s investment in our mission,” said Marilyn Harris, president and CEO of the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce. “This generous grant provides vital support for the Chamber’s capacity to deliver on its work—empowering minority-owned small businesses, advancing cultural preservation, and equipping the next generation of leaders.”

The event also featured a Youth Artisan Workshop: Creating with Purpose, led by local artist Hank D. Herring, owner of Green Herring Art. Participants repurposed materials into functional, sale-ready works of art, combining lessons in sustainability, entrepreneurship and creativity.

“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Mark Lattanzio, coastal market president at Truist. “That means creating opportunities for economic mobility, empowering small businesses to grow, and supporting the entrepreneurs who strengthen our local economy.”

The Chamber said the funding will strengthen its ability to serve Beaufort County through business support, cultural programming and youth engagement initiatives.

More information about the Chamber and its programs is available at www.bcbcc.org.