Message from the

Executive Chairman

The Demise of America’s Onetime Capital of Black Wealth

View Politico Article

Chicago was once known for its power marriage of Black business and politics. Today, many Black-owned companies have shuttered, dramatically changing the city's landscape.

According to the December 7, 2021 article referenced above, Chicago's Black business community has permanently changed. As Executive Chairman, what is says to me is that the BLC's work is more important now than ever. 

If not us, then who? If not now, then when?

We are the Business Leadership Council. It is our job and responsibility to help return to Chicago to its aforementioned place as the black business capital of the world.  

Although Chicago's Black business community has struggled, collectively as an organization, we are stronger than ever... but that is not enough. 

In 2022, we look to expand programming and be more inclusive of community-based business that are directly providing services to our people. 

We are starting a Business Leadership Academy to help to train new and emerging businesses.

We are as motivated and determined as ever and together, we can accomplish our stated goal: building generation wealth in the black community. 

Charles Smith

Executive Chairman

Message from the

Executive Director

Ready, Willing and Able

If we learned anything from 2021, it was that we, as a community of Black business leaders can move our businesses to the next level despite the challenges.  Many of our businesses did more than just merely survive in 2021—we thrived and grew because we took advantage of new opportunities and doors that opened as never before.

While we continue to face challenges in an ever-evolving workplace, we are more resourceful than before and looking forward to 2022. We have proven to ourselves and the world, that we are ready, willing and able to compete and destined for even greater success in the years to come.

Avis LaVelle

Executive Director

Message from the

Chief Engagement Officer

Persevering to New Heights

The last two years of the pandemic have forced us all to reassess and re-evaluate our approach to life, business, social interactions, and everything in between. But through it all, we have persevered and we are still finding ways to shatter that glass ceiling.

As we quickly approach this next year at BLC, we have many exciting new initiatives that we are launching. We are kicking off a training series and workshops designed to help take your business to the next level. We're also launching our first podcast spotlighting the wealth of talent that exists within our ranks and beyond. It has never been more exciting to be a member of this organization. I look forward to our continued partnership as we to elevate BLC to new heights.

Cory Thames

Chief Engagement Officer

BLC.
Making Our Voices Heard.

Civic and business leaders come
to the BLC, seeking support for positions and projects that impact the broader African American community. We carefully consider each proposal before deciding to add our voices and take a position.

BLC New Members

Member Spotlight

BLC Events:
Past & Future

BLC’s goal is to educate, empower and enlighten our members about issues that impact our businesses and our communities. We invite impactful leaders to address our members and guests, to share their views and help us make informed decisions about our world.

Upcoming Events

Opportunities for BLC Companies and Individuals

Q4 2021

Chicago Public Schools

CPS Office of Business Diversity previewed upcoming RFQ’s for General Contractors and Various Trades for 2022 school year.

For more info: (773) 553 2980 or www.cps.edu/businessdiversity

Columbia College Supplier Diversity Fair

Columbia College Chicago hosted its 1st annual Supplier Diversity Fair to attract diverse businesses to learn about becoming a supplier/contractor with the college and to network with the Columbia College department decision makers about upcoming and possible procurements.

For more information: supplierdiversity@colum.edu  

Oakview Group Facilities Management Group

Oakview Group sought MBE/WBE firms for participation in bid to manage and maintain McCormick Place.

For more information:

Peter Zingoni

pzingoni@oakviewgroup.com

Obama Presidential Center and Lakeside Alliance 

The Lakeside Alliance, the joint venture of BLC members, unveiled a number of opportunities for upcoming bid packages for supporters and contractors on OPC project.

For additional details click here.

Chicagoland Chamber’s Employer Training Investment Program

Companies can be reimbursed for up to 50% of the cost of employee-training. Whether you have an existing trainer or conduct internal training using your company staff, you may be eligible to receive a 50% reimbursement through this program.

For additional details click here.                                                                                                                     

Mark Goodman & Associates

Construction and trades opportunities on the development of of a 16- story commercial and life sciences mixed use office building at 400 N. Elizabeth Avenue.

For more information:

Mark Goodman

(312) 280 8030   

Annexation LLC

Seeking a general contractor and other trades for renovating a 5-story residential building with 136 units, 9,000 sq feet of commercial and parking at 2032 N. Clybourn Avenue.

For more information:

Jon Morgan

(312) 361 3141