THE START OF A NEW ERA
BUILDING BLACKBUSINESS POWER
29+ years of operation and 100,000+ members represented. One mission, the economic advancement of Black business in Illinois. We identify the barriers, organize the response, and build the pathways to lasting success.
Let’s Get You CONNECTEDHolding Legislators Accountable!
Lobby Day 2026
Join the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce for Lobby Day 2026 as Black business leaders gather in Springfield to shape policy, build relationships, and advance a shared economic agenda.
Join Lobby Day!ILLINOIS SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH TOUR
YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS ALONE.WHEN YOU ATTEND THIS TOUR,YOU WON'T.
RESERVE YOUR SEAT
What do we do?
Empowering Black businesses to thrive is our passion. For over two decades, the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce has driven economic growth, won numerous awards for driving opportunities for African American entrepreneurs. We build pathways to success, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where Black-owned businesses flourish and communities prosper.
WE HELP YOUGrow...
Expand Locally & Internationally:
Our Zimbabwe trade mission opens doors to unprecedented African market access for Illinois businesses. With strong partnerships across several countries around the world, we broker meaningful business relationships for our members, connecting them to valuable international opportunities. Join us and take your business to the global stage.
WE HELP YOUFund...
Empowering Your Funding Journey:
At the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, we help you secure the financial resources necessary for your business growth. Our dedicated team provides guidance on accessing grants, loans, and investment opportunities, ensuring you have the support to thrive in a competitive market.
WE HELP YOUNetwork...
We Forge Powerful Networks:
We connect Black businesses to a wealth of essential resources, experienced mentors, and game-changing relationships that can significantly elevate your enterprise and expand your reach.
WE HELP YOUAdvocate...
We Amplify Your Voice:
We take your concerns from the streets of Illinois to the halls of power in Springfield and Washington D.C., ensuring that Black business interests are heard, respected, and acted upon at every level of government.
Over 1,200 Black Businesses in Illinois Lost Their Shot at State Government Contracts.
One system change in the state of Illinois wiped out half the state's approved vendor list. Overnight, over 1,200 Black businesses lost their spot and with it, their shot at state government contracts.
Black businesses are in the system. But not capturing contract opportunities.
This pattern shows up across both state and federal contracting programs.
In FY25, African American owned businesses received just 1.23% of all federal contract dollars. This figure continues to decline each year, even as total federal spending increases.
Source:(Source SAM.gov/USASpending.gov analysis).
The issue is not participation.
Black businesses are registered and certified. They follow the process. But they are not being selected.
The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce is organized to be responsive.
Mobilizing Access
We connect Black businesses to decision-makers, contracts, and capital sources that drive sustainable growth.
Strengthening Connection
Through advocacy and strategic partnerships, we create pathways that turn participation into measurable outcomes.
Requiring Financing Position
We ensure Black businesses have the financial foundation and positioning to compete and win at every level.
What We're Identifying.
What We're Doing.
ILBCC's approach is evidence-driven and action-oriented. We build the case with data, then push for change through advocacy, legislation, and direct support.
What the Chamber is Doing
Clarify the Condition
Data and analysis that names what the numbers reveal.
Rebuild Access
Networks and partnerships that restore Black firms to opportunity pipelines.
Improve Conversion
Closing the gap between being certified and being awarded.
Advance Advocacy
Pushing for change in policy and procurement where decisions are made.
Repair the Ecosystem
Not just presence in the system — security in the outcome.
We don't just advocate.
We connect.
ILBCC brings its members more than a network — we bring the tools and training to compete and win.
The most secure way to hire globally
We linked up with somebody special.
High operational costs are one of the biggest reasons small businesses can't compete or grow. That's why we partnered with remoting.work giving our members access to vetted, full-time global professionals at a fraction of traditional hiring costs.
Build your team. Lower your overhead. Stay competitive.
To Eradicate Generational Poverty
Knowledge is part of the solution.
Contracts require capacity, and capacity takes preparation. That’s why ILBCC partnered with Joseph Business School an accredited institution equipping entrepreneurs 20+ years programs in business and wealth creation
The skills that turn opportunity into long-term success.
Our Advocacy
Illinois State Black Chamber
of Commerce PAC
The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce PAC represents a statewide political action committee dedicated to electing, empowering, and equipping Black leaders across Illinois. Its mission is to build sustainable Black political and economic power by supporting candidates, advancing policies, and mobilizing communities around equity, Black business growth, access to capital, contracts, and long-term community prosperity.
Get Involved TodayThe People Behind the Work
Our Board Members
Larry D. Ivory
President/CEO
William Kyles
Officer
Lester Blair
Officer
Tina Augustus
Officer
Lee Coleman
Regional VP Honorary/Emeritus
Stephanie Hickman
Board Member
Dr. Jeffery Sterling, MD
Board Member
Ben S. McMillan, III
Board Member
Joyce Johnson
Board Member
Malcolm Crawford
Board Member
Cathy Dale
Board Member
Nosa Ehimwenman
Board Member
John Griffin, Jr
Board Member
Keymanna Paulas
Board Member
Sharla Roberts
Board Member
Michael Sutton
Board Member
Wali Muhammad
Board Member
Crystal Young
Board Member
Melverta Wilkins
Board Member
Rod Young, Sr.
Board Member
Robert Dale
Honorary/Emeritus
Board Member
OUR PARTNERS
Stronger Together.
The organizations and institutions standing alongside ILBCC in this work.
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.– Barack Obama
Upcoming Events
Be sure to check our event calendar
We host several events throughout the year and so do our members. Click the link below to access our full event calendar, register for events and purchase tickets when needed.
Our own
Radio Show
- WVON 1690 AM, HeartRadio & YouTube Podcast
- Saturdays at 9 AM to 10 AM CST
- Call in live: 773-591-1890
- Unfiltered The Wake Up Show Chicago, our mission is to empower, uplift, and amplify black-owned businesses and resources through a dynamic panel of hosts.
In The Media - Then & Now
Connecting Our History with Today's Initiatives
Join the Chamber.
Build the Response.
Black business is present in the system. The Chamber exists to ensure it is secured in the outcome. Join a network that is doing the work.
Become a Member
Access advocacy resources, networking events, certification support, and a community of Black business leaders across Illinois.
JOIN ILBCCMake a Donation
Support the work of identifying the bleed and organizing the response. Every contribution funds advocacy, data, and access programs.
DONATE NOW