Spaces & Faces — BrandCamp 2023
As a small business ourselves, Conspire understands the challenges and triumphs that come with the entrepreneurial journey. As our most recent cohort of BrandCampers have been immersed in strategy-intensive workshops, we know it wouldn’t have been possible without our partners including the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and the minority-owned businesses that have been the backbone of this journey.
As we continue to empower and uplift small businesses through BrandCamp, we recognize that the journey is made richer by the diverse voices and faces that make up our community. Take a moment to recognize the unsung heroes that empower our community and allow us to support small businesses through BrandCamp.
Columbus Chamber of Commerce + Columbus Urban League
Behind every successful initiative, there is a supportive community, and the city is fortunate to have the backing of the partnership between the Columbus Chamber and the Columbus Urban League to create the Urban Business Connection (UBC).
The collaboration started with free Chamber memberships for 30 Black-owned businesses in 2021, expanding to 75 with City of Columbus support in 2022, and currently 100 in 2023. This initiative provides businesses with various services, including connections, consultations, research support, advocacy, and access. The Chamber has been an invaluable partner in bringing BrandCamp to life to serve the UBC, providing hands-on business support, actionable tools, and a platform for collaboration.
You know… some good ol’ technical assistance.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to Mallory Roth, the Chamber’s extraordinary Program Manager, whose unwavering dedication to what the UBC stands for is truly unmatched. From the inception of the UBC, Mallory's clear vision and infectious passion for the program captivated us and called us into action. She not only listens attentively to the voices of the city but also identifies opportunities, such as BrandCamp, to not just bridge gaps but swing open doors of possibility.
Councilmember Nick Bankston and Columbus City Council deserve a special thank you for their aid in the effort. Helping plant the seeds for the ancillary fund for the Urban Business Connection, Councilmember Bankston demonstrated real action to empower Black-owned businesses in Central Ohio. The Urban Business Connection has been instrumental in ensuring that BrandCamp is leveraged as a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to thrive.
Beth Menduni | Video Story Studio
This past BrandCamp called for a village to come together. We relied on partners that could relate as the heads of minority-owned or woman-owned small businesses, including Beth Menduni, Chief Storyteller of Video Story Studio.
Storytelling isn't just a skill for Beth; it's her passion and forte. Beth seamlessly marries storytelling with strategy, aligning perfectly with the Conspire approach.
When it came to crafting compelling video content for BrandCamp, Beth was our right-hand gal. Video Story Studio played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of our campers, giving them the platform to share their unique stories and experiences with BrandCamp. While our campers effortlessly shined in front the camera, it was Beth's exceptional talent behind the scenes in storytelling that brought their narratives to life.
The philosophy at Video Story Studio resonates with our belief that genuine human connection is paramount in attracting potential clients and closing sales. Beth's expertise in helping clients identify and tell the stories their audience needs to hear, backed by robust tracking and metrics, has been instrumental in the success of our video content strategy.
Tim Brown | 614tography
Tim Brown at 614tography focuses on more than just pretty pictures – he's dedicated to capturing the human connection.
Jumping for the opportunity to get hands-on, Tim thrives on meeting new people and translating those connections into visual narratives that resonate. His ability to blend seamlessly into the atmosphere of BrandCamp and translate its energy through his lens played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life.
Tim, a Black small business owner himself, made an effort to connect with all of the campers to not only capture the moments on our shotlist, but to dive deeper with each camper. Tim created a sense of comfort to allow the campers to accurately represent themselves through candid moments, as well as beautiful headshots to create immediate elevation to their brands.
BrandCamp 2023 — Images curtesy of 614tography
Fraga Graphic Solutions
Anticipating the impact of our exciting QuickWins (the custom collateral BrandCampers receive), we were on the lookout for a dynamic print and production partner to seamlessly provide our campers with the deliverables essential for bringing their ideas to life, uplifting their businesses, and amplifying their voices.
But, we needed a partner we good trust would care for these small businesses as much as folks like Mallory do. That meant a willingness to provide an extra layer of education and exploration, helping make sure every project matches fair price points with business goals to find the perfect tool for every job.
As a minority-owned business, Gallo Fraga of Fraga Graphic Solutions (FGS) saw the vision and immediately stepped in to support BrandCamp. FGS brings a level of expertise that makes the process not just efficient for our campers, but also effortlessly streamlined for us to turn digital designs into real life signage, sales sheets and beyond.
He just gets it, because, for over a decade, Gallo has been traveling the path these small business owners are on. The FGS dedication to helping businesses realize their potential ensures that our campers get what they need promptly, and perfectly, facilitating a smooth and impactful journey that can grow from this project to a fruitful partnership.
Barnes & Thornburg + Vitria on the Square
Profound gratitude is extended to the esteemed business law firm Barnes and Thornburg and the world-class event space Vitria on the Square for opening their doors as hosts to BrandCamp.
Their generous donation of elegant and gorgeous spaces has transformed our program, providing small business owners with an unparalleled opportunity to envision the remarkable heights to which their enterprises can ascend.
Vitria on the Square, an epitome of sophistication and success in event spaces overlooking the Ohio State campus, graciously opened their doors to day one of BrandCamp with few questions asked. By offering their luxurious setting, they enabled small business owners to see themselves operating at a level of grandeur and accomplishment. This visionary act goes beyond mere hospitality; it serves as a catalyst for inspiring dreams and ambitions.
Likewise, Barnes and Thornburg, a pillar of expertise in business law, has not only demonstrated their commitment to excellence but has also championed the growth and aspirations of small businesses by allowing day two of BrandCamp to take place at the peak of the Columbus skyline, 36 stories high, overlooking the city we all love.
While operating in different fields, both Barnes and Thornburg and Vitria on the Square are unrivaled in Columbus, and the swift response of their leaders to support BrandCamp speaks volumes about their dedication to fostering a thriving business community.
Contributions like these not only enhance the program but also empower small business owners to visualize and strive for the pinnacle of success.
