CANADIAN BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Toronto, Ontario: As of July 2020, the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) signed an Agreement with the United States National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). In the midst of one of the most transformative moments in history, this partnership represents a critical vehicle to advance the Black agenda in North America towards social and economic prosperity and equity. The Chambers are pleased to combine forces and align on a shared vision and commitment to driving meaningful impact for the Black community.
The NBCC is composed of 140 chapters throughout the United States and Pan African nations representing over 2,000,000 Black-owned businesses; There are 2.1 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. Black-owned businesses account for over $138 billion in revenue each year according to the US Bureau of Census. The National Black Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States and in the Diaspora.
We are excited for this partnership to bring businesses together for growth. Additionally, this is a fantastic opportunity to take full advantage of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Harry C. Alford
Co-Founder, President/CEO
“This strategic and important partnership will amplify the efforts of both organisations and provide a strategic pathway for continued economic growth and collective advancement of Black Canadians and Americans. This is important work that I am proud to support.” Michael Coteau, Liberal MPP
“Anti-Black racism and discrimination are common problems that constrain the economies of all western nations. This partnership aims to create international economic opportunities for Black-owned businesses and represents a significant step toward unleashing the potential of minority entrepreneurs on both sides of the border.”
Michael Thompson, Toronto Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Economic & Community Development Committee
Black Business owners in Canada and in the US have been impacted by COVID-19 and face similar issues with opportunity and accessing capital. Working alongside the National Black Chamber of Commerce will allow us to create more opportunity and support for our members.” Andria Barrett, President of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce.
Highlights of the partnership include:
● Enhancing economic, trade and investment cooperation from both sides.
● Organizing promotional meetings or business talks for projects in all sectors of the economy, such as technology, health, cannabis and food production
● Encouraging Black Canadian and African-American-owned businesses to procurement opportunities in the U.S. and Canada
As the national voice of business for Canada’s 1.2 million Black Canadians, the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting Black-owned business post-pandemic and beyond. Working alongside the National Black Chamber of Commerce will further our goal of creating a strong Black Canadian Business Community, resulting in a stronger Canadian economy.
About the National Black Chamber of Commerce The National Black Chamber of Commerce® was incorporated in Washington, DC in March 1993. The National Black Chamber of Commerce® is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States and via interaction with the Black Diaspora.
About the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce: The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce is a national, non-profit, bilingual organization. We are a distinctive platform that supports Black businesses, promotes economic growth and prosperity, leads public and private sector advocacy and forms alliances and broad-based coalitions that represent the economic interests of our members and stakeholders.
Feature Photo from The Toronto Star
