Join Us

The Business Leadership Council welcome your insights , your expertise and the opportunity to collaborate on our shared goals to build sustainable businesses in the Black community that lead to the creation of generational wealth.

BECOME A MEMBER

We are looking for members like you.

The Business Leadership Council welcomes new members throughout the year on a rolling quarterly basis, with intake periods commencing on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Upon joining, members will be prorated a quarterly fee, determined by their join date. All memberships are set to renew on January 1 annually.

To facilitate a smooth application process, membership applications will undergo review approximately 30 days before the commencement of each quarter. This ensures timely processing and allows new members to seamlessly integrate into our community. Thank you for your interest in joining our BLC community! 

Corporate Leaders

Corporate members within the Business Leadership Council’s framework consists of corporations that are invested in supporting our mission of Building the Black Business Ecosystem. Corporate members are also Black professionals who are C-suite level executives for fortune 500 companies or Black business owners and entrepreneurs with an annual revenue greater than $100 million. Corporate members are experienced and are thought leaders within their industries often impacting business and policy trends within Chicago’s thriving business community.


Criteria: Executive leader of Company or Business having 75 employees or more or Business generating more than $100M in annual revenue.


  • BLC membership for 3 representatives
  • Corporation Logo and contribution to the mission listed on the BLC Website
  • Collaboration on a BLC event (event identified in partnership with the CEO) provides marketing opportunities to members and key external stakeholders
  • Speaking opportunities on behalf of the BLC
  • Assistance from BLC with identifying and vetting subcontractors or vendors
  • BLC presentation opportunities (internal and external audiences)
  • Special meetings and events exclusively for Sustaining and Corporate Members 
  • Recommendations for opportunities for civic and municipal boards

Membership Interest Form

Sustaining Leaders

Sustaining Leaders within the Business Leadership Council represent accomplished Black business professionals sought after by key decision-makers for their advisory expertise in business, civic, and community initiatives. These individuals are situated in the executive echelons, steering highly successful entrepreneurial or corporate enterprises. Every sustaining leader has a sphere of influence that can be maximized for his or her own business interests, but each has a deep commitment to promoting sustainable corporate leadership and business growth for the Black business community.


Criteria: Senior level leadership of Company or Business having 26-75 employees.


  • BLC membership for 2 representatives
  • Corporation Logo and capabilities listed in membership directory of BLC website
  • Speaking opportunities on behalf of the BLC
  • Special meetings and events exclusively for Sustaining and Corporate Members 
  • BLC promotion to public and private sector “Lead-Partner” contracting opportunities. Government and corporation
  • Recommendations for opportunities for civic and municipal boards

Membership Interest Form

Established Leaders

Established Members strive to consistently demonstrate their leadership capabilities, adeptly communicate ideas that drive progress, and actively pursue opportunities within corporate or entrepreneurial environments. They harness their skills and expertise to transition into senior-level corporate roles and, as entrepreneurs, to implement business strategies that optimize resources for sustainable business growth.


Criteria: Director level leadership of Company or Business having 1-25 employees.


  • BLC membership for 1 representative
  • Recommendations for municipal board appointment
  • Trainings and networking opportunities to support business/career development
  • Corporation Logo and capabilities listed in membership directory of BLC website
  • BLC promotion for “Partner” sub-contracting opportunities.

Membership Interest Form

Vanguard Leaders

The Vanguard, inclusive of emerging leaders aged 40 and under, encompasses new or newly establishing business owners, corporate professionals, and institutional representatives who represent the next generation of Black leadership. Vanguard members are committed to excelling and continually striving to enhance their business and professional acumen. Vanguard's aim is to evolve its members into influential business and civic leaders, contributing to the advancement and betterment of the Black community.


Criteria: Must be 40 years of age and under.


  • BLC membership for 1 
  • Connection to career opportunities in the public or private sector
  • Trainings and networking opportunities to support business/career development
  • Vanguard spotlight opportunity to highlight your business, industry and personal brand
  • Capabilities listed in membership directory of BLC website

Membership Interest Form

Civic Leaders

Civic Members are linked to the Business Leadership Council through various channels, including governmental agencies, elected positions, community-based non-profit organizations, and institutions such as hospitals and universities, these leaders play a pivotal role. Positioned strategically, they facilitate connections between organizational programs, opportunities, and government initiatives, bridging the gap with business owners and corporate professionals within the Business Leadership Council.


Criteria: Must be employed by the public sector or non-profit organization. 


  • BLC membership for 1 representative
  • Opportunity to expose the business community to organizational goals and cultivate meaningful relationships with the business community
  • Community Partner presentation opportunities

Membership Interest Form