Our History
The Capital City Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. was founded on a strong foundation mortared with a golden history forged in the struggles and successes of our forbearers. We consider organizations such as the National Negro Business League, the US Black Chambers, Inc. and the Black Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Inc., as our foundational mentors. In 2002, African American-owned bus
inesses accounted for 1.2 million of the US's 23 million businesses. As of 2011 African American-owned businesses account for approximately 2 million US businesses. Black-owned businesses experienced the largest growth in number of businesses among minorities from 2002 to 2011. The Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 had as one goal to assist black-owned businesses land more federal contracts. It required federal agencies to open an Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) to track their diversity efforts in workforce hiring and procurement. Today, there are 1.9 million privately held Black-owned businesses across every industry sector in the United States, employing over 921,000 persons, and generating $137.5 billion in annual revenue. Of the 1.9 million Black-owned businesses, nearly 912,000 are owned by African American women. Black Chambers, Inc. was founded by Ron Busby in 2010. The Five Pillars of Service are the cornerstone of their platform. They represent issues that greatly impact the growth of Black-owned businesses in America and, consequently, form the foundation of the USBC agenda. Advocacy - The USBC fights for legislation that promotes small business growth, particularly policies that address the challenges of Black business owners. Access to Capital - Capital access remains the most important factor limiting the
establishment, expansion and growth of Black-owned businesses. The USBC works with financial institutions, particularly Black-owned institutions, to create avenues by which Black businesses can gain greater access to credit, capital and other financial instruments. Contracting - At the USBC, their goal is to level the playing field by helping members
gain access to business opportunities in the private and public sectors. Entrepreneur Training - The USBC is committed to helping Black business leaders
achieve stellar performance and growth through entrepreneur and business management training. Chamber Development - The growth and development of Black chambers of commerce
is a core focus of the U.S. As such, they leverage their role as a national organization, provide technical assistance and leadership training to member chambers, assist with the establishment of new Black chambers, and facilitate the sharing of best practices and industry data among their members. The USBC Chamber Network consists of over 115 chambers of commerce and business organizations in 25 states, representing approximately 240,000 Black businesses nationwide. The Black Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Inc. is a member chamber of the USBC. (“BCCI”) was founded by Anthony Corey Walker in 2016 to promote, empower, educate, sustain minority enterprises and entrepreneurship within the State of Illinois. BCCI is a consortium of local Black Chambers of Commerce organizations. BCCI is dedicated to promoting the establishment and successful operation of Black Owned Businesses within the State of Illinois. The Capital City Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is member of the BCCI and adheres to the USBC Five Pillars of Service.
