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SIYC's Year in Review: Amplifying Voices, Fostering Growth, and Building Communities

Local business owners of Denver stand and smile in front of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce decorated wall
4 min
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SIYC's Year in Review: Amplifying Voices, Fostering Growth, and Building Communities

2024 has been an exceptional year for Sellers in Your Community (SIYC), as we've continued our mission to amplify the voices of small and medium-sized businesses in the Amazon store.

Through education on community involvement, opportunities to grow impact, and networking with organizations, leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs, we've hosted 8 memorable events across the United States. Let's take a look at how we've empowered sellers and fostered connections throughout the year:

ClevelandEmpowering Growth and Scaling Businesses

In April, we partnered with the Cleveland Cavaliers to host a roundtable event and Small Business Summit. One hundred sellers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners gathered to learn strategies for growing and scaling their businesses. Local business representatives shared invaluable insights on overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities in today's dynamic business landscape.

For more information about Cleveland’s Small Business Summit: Click here.

Local business owners and Amazon independent sellers, Nooma, Phenomenal Foods Co., and Proof Culture lead a roundtable on finding success in the Amazon store.  

Detroit: Celebrating Local Entrepreneurship

May saw us in Detroit, collaborating with the Detroit Pistons for a roundtable event and the Shop 313 Summit. This event highlighted the importance of local entrepreneurship and provided a platform for Detroit-area sellers to connect and share experiences.

For more information about Detroit’s Shop 313 Summit: Click here.

Three Detroit-based sellers, Take Off Luggage, Birdy Boutique, and Reed met small business leaders, including representatives from the Detroit Pistons, Michigan Black Business Alliance, Wayne State University, and Wayne County.

Washington, D.C. and Chicago: Fostering Connections and Community Impact

We brought together 21 sellers across these two cities for networking mixers. These events created spaces for sellers to forge connections and explore opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their local communities, embodying SIYC's commitment to community involvement.

Denver: Showcasing Success and Local Impact

In August, we hosted a Sellers in Your Community roundtable event in Denver, featuring four local, independent sellers. These businesses - FLEXXID, Sun Company, Sheets & Giggles, and Preservation Solutions - have not only scaled significantly through the Amazon store but also driven job growth, local manufacturing, and community impact. The event brought together sellers with representatives from local economic development organizations and congressional offices, fostering valuable discussions on creating a more small business-friendly environment in the Denver region.

Local business owners FLEXX ID, Sun Company, Sheets & Giggles, and Preservation Solutions and community leaders engaged in a discussion at the SIYC Denver roundtable, exploring ways to amplify small business success and impact.  

Seattle: Building a Network of Success

September’s pre-Accelerate Conference happy hour in Seattle was a resounding success, with over 100 sellers representing 65+businesses. This event exemplified SIYC's commitment to creating networking opportunities that foster growth and collaboration among sellers.

 Los Angeles: Celebrating Diversity and Connection

October saw Los Angeles-area independent sellers gather at Guelaguetza, a family-run restaurant that now sells their recipes in the Amazon store, showcasing SIYC's dedication to supporting diverse businesses. The event facilitated new connections and shared experiences among entrepreneurs.

Atlanta: Engaging Leaders and Entrepreneurs

We hosted two impactful roundtable events in Atlanta, bringing together sellers and community leaders. These sessions provided a rare and valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect and share insights, reinforcing SIYC's role in bridging gaps between businesses and community stakeholders.

Independent sellers Compac Industries, Ballast, Dope Coffee, and Ecoslay met Atlanta-area small business leaders at the roundtable events.

New York City: Continuing the Momentum

Our November roundtable event in New York City further expanded our reach, connecting sellers with community leaders and fostering meaningful dialogues about business growth and community impact. In addition to their growth through Amazon programs, sellers shared their experiences engaging in the community through internships with local colleges and youth programs.

New York City sellers, VONTELLE Eyewear, Kapuluan Coconut, Baby Learns Language, and Baked Cravings met small business leaders at the roundtable.

As we look back on 2024, we're inspired by the incredible achievements of small and medium-sized businesses that sell in the Amazon store. Through Sellers in Your Community events, entrepreneurs like you have shared knowledge, formed valuable connections, and discovered new ways to make a difference in your local areas. Your success stories, both in business and in your communities, continue to drive our mission forward.

Looking ahead to 2025, we're excited to create even more opportunities for you to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your impact, we're here to support your journey. Together, we can continue to build thriving businesses and stronger communities. Here's to another year of innovation, growth, and making a difference!