The Black Chamber of Commerce of Western New York (BCCWNY) is a not-for-profit federation of business owners, associations, community-based organizations, and individuals working together for the successful development of Black-owned businesses - thereby helping to enhance the financial, cultural, and civic well being of Western New York's African American community.

Our Mission is to promote the economic empowerment of WNY's Black community. We pursue this mission through the development of new businesses, the strengthening and growth of existing businesses, and by facilitating the recycling of Black dollars within the community.

The dedicated business professionals of the BCCWNY are focused on creating an environment condusive to cooperative business ventures, and increased employment opportunities.

We advocate for our constituents, and also provide tools, solutions, networking forums, business education, and enhanced communication for the benefit of our member enterprises.

The History of The Black Chamber of Commerce

In 1993, a small group of individuals and business people formed a business organization that was located at Genesee Street and Monroe Avenue. The main purpose of this group was to improve business opportunities in the community by identifying mutual problems and attempting to solve them. Sometime later, the group moved into space in the Martin Luther King Library located on 134 William Street and began to form a stronger organization, that came to be known  the known the Black Chamber of Commerce of WNY. In order to expand its operations and membership, the Chamber moved from the William Street to its present location at 836 E.Delavan  Avenue where it holds regular meetings and education seminars for its membership.

The Chamber’s mission is to better economic opportunities for the development and empowerment of the member businesses within the region. Based on its membership, it operates as a local chamber of commerce for minority businesspeople in the community.

Accomplishments:   

·        Has operated as a black business advocacy for 16 years

·        Sponsored an investigative report addressing the non-compliance of the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section III and Title VI in the City of Buffalo.

·        Advocacy for member as well as other minority businesses seeking opportunities on the City of Buffalo $ 1 billion-10 year Joint Schools Construction Project.

·        Community Partner on the Olmsted Conservancy Parks Development Project (Martin Luther King Park)

·        Community Partner and Co- Sponsor with Small Business Administration (SBA)- Straight Talk Series in cooperation with SCORE.

·        Member of the Fillmore Business Group.

·        Sponsor of the SATT Business Education Project (Sitting at the Table), mini youth entrepreneurial conference projects, joint conference on black business growth and attitude, and many minority business cases.