April 26, 2025

IE COMMUNITY NEWS

El Chicano, Colton Courier, Rialto Record

BBOP Center Economic Hub Spreads Holiday Cheer While Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

2 min read

The entrepreneurial spirit meets holiday giving as the Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center hosts its heartwarming Year-End Holiday Celebration on December 17th from 12 pm to 2 pm. This festive gathering isn’t just about celebrating success – it’s about creating smiles for local children while showcasing the power of women-led businesses in the Inland Empire.

In its role as San Bernardino’s premier business incubator for women of color, the BBOP Center has become a beacon of hope and economic empowerment. The Center provides crucial resources, mentorship, and a supportive ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can transform their business dreams into profitable realities, breaking down long-standing barriers in the process.

“Every successful business we help launch represents a family’s future transformed,” says Vanessa Perez, CEO of the BBOP Center. “This celebration honors those transformations while paying it forward to the next generation.”

The holiday event will feature a toy drive benefiting homeless children supported by Time for Change Foundation. Guests bringing unwrapped toys for children ages 0-6 will receive raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes from local women-owned businesses.

Amidst seasonal treats and festive networking, attendees will hear inspiring success stories from entrepreneurs who have flourished through BBOP’s programs.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (PST)
  • Location: 599 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92401

The BBOP Center, launched by Time for Change Foundation in 2023, has emerged as a vital force in addressing systemic inequities in business ownership. Through its comprehensive business services, the Center provides:

  • Business development workshops
  • Mentorship
  • Access to capital and funding opportunities
  • Networking events
  • Co-working spaces
  • Childcare center
  • Marketing and branding support

The Year-End Holiday Celebration represents more than just seasonal festivities – it’s a testament to the power of community investment and the rising tide of women entrepreneurs reshaping San Bernardino’s business landscape.