For the past 15 years the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Brooklyn has been helping businesses get off the ground.

Fifteen years ago, then Borough President Marty Markowitz contacted Rick Miranda, a well-known business owner, about starting the Chamber.

Markowitz says there was an abundance of Hispanic business owners and wanted to offer a place they could turn to for help. Since then, the Chamber has helped businesses ranging from restaurants to clothing stores and even an arts collective.

Miranda says it's helpful because he understands the culture of the members, which in turn makes them more comfortable to turn to the Chamber.

Artelatam started up two years ago and turned to the Chamber of Commerce when looking to expand.

"It was a great challenge for us to get exposure for Latin American artists in public art, in parks, in the buildings," said Artelatam Director Carlos Torres.

The Chamber says it has a 100% track record of getting minority and women owned businesses certified, which allows them to do business with the city.

They get a share of the contract, and those contracts can now go up to $500,000.

The chamber also conducts events to help business owners or those looking to start a business. A workshop aimed at helping business owner deal with the IRS will be held on Thursday.