Developing the Black-Owned Business Ecosystem

Hosted by the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Equality of Opportunity Initiative

The Coalition to Back Black Businesses and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Equality of Opportunity Initiative hosted a one-hour virtual event on February 10, highlighting the impact of the Coalition’s efforts to develop Black-owned businesses and what developments are needed to fully leverage their potential. We provided useful resources for Black small business owners looking to take their next step, especially as it relates to finding coaching, supplier diversity initiatives, and other resources available to them.

The Coalition is a multi-year initiative launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and American Express in September 2020 to support the long-term success and resilience of Black-owned small businesses. The program is a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the nation’s four major Black chambers, including the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and Walker’s Legacy. The Coalition is also funded through support by ADP, AIG Foundation, Altice USA, Dow, Shopify, S&P Global, and Stanley Black and Decker.

   Speakers

Date/Time

  • Latricia Boone, Vice President, Equality of Opportunity, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Brian Butler, President and CEO, Vistra Communications
  • Brodi Fontenot, Consultant, U.S. Chamber Foundation
  • Joshua Funches, Founder & President, National Youth Bike Council
  • Melody Jackson, Strategic Partnerships Director, Ureeka
  • Tashion Macon, Chief Marketing Officer, Sky’s The Limit
  • Ayris Scales, CEO, Walkers Legacy Foundation
  • Erica Stephens, Global Supplier Diversity Director, Dow
  • Ewuraesi Thompson, Marketing Operations Manager, Shopify
  • Rick Wade, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Dean Anthony D. Wilbon, Ph.D., PMP, Howard University School of Business

Thursday, February 10, 2022
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST