Member Benefits
Become a Member Today
Skill-Enhancing Workshops
Expand your expertise with our specialized workshops and seminars tailored to key business areas such as financial management and marketing strategies. Designed to foster growth, these sessions ensure you stay competitive in today's market.
Visibility and Recognition
Elevate your business profile by showcasing your successes on the VABCC's digital platforms, including our website, social media, and newsletters. Your achievements deserve recognition and can inspire the broader Black business community.
Dynamic Networking Opportunities
Connect with a vibrant network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders within the Black business community at various VABCC-hosted events. From mixers to industry-specific conferences, these gatherings are fertile ground for collaboration and innovation.
Empowering Advocacy
Leverage the VABCC’s robust advocacy efforts which champion policies and legislation that bolster Black-owned businesses. Our chamber ensures your voice is heard and your business interests are represented on local, regional, and national levels.
Comprehensive Business Support
Gain access to essential support services that help navigate the complexities of grant applications, business certifications, and government resources. Our targeted support helps streamline your business operations for maximum efficiency.
Access On-Demand Resources
Utilize a wealth of resources at your fingertips, including business directories, industry reports, market research, and funding opportunities. These tools are essential for making informed business decisions and staying ahead of industry trends.
Exclusive Opportunity Access
Benefit from unique opportunities to connect with influential stakeholders, institutions, and funding bodies across the Greater Washington area. These connections are crucial for expanding your business’s reach and enhancing its market presence.
Strategic Contracting and Procurement Advantages
Maximize your business's potential with strategic insights into contracting and procurement opportunities. We guide you through the complexities of the contracting process, helping to position your business favorably in competitive markets and securing pivotal contracts that can lead to substantial growth and long-term success.
Virginia Black Business Expo & Conference
The Virginia Black Business Expo & Conference is Virginia's largest black business networking and educational event attracting thousands of attendees and showcasing mroe than one hundred small businesses and entrepreneurs. This is a multi-day event where businesses and community come together.
Great Blacksby Gala & Virginia Black Business Awards
A prestigious event that celebrates and recognizes the achievements of black-owned businesses in Virginia. This annual gala is a night of elegance, filled with inspiration and recognition, where we honor these businesses' remarkable contributions and successes. The Virginia Black Business Awards highlight the innovation, dedication, and impact that these entrepreneurs have made in their respective fields. This remarkable event embodies our community's spirit and the entrepreneurial drive that propels it forward.
GovCon Summit
The GovCon Summit is a significant event to guide and unite contractors, subcontractors, and small businesses nationwide. The focus of this summit is to provide attendees with the latest information on government contracting opportunities and economic success strategies. This summit is not just an event; it's a platform for fostering networking, collaboration, and empowerment among black-owned businesses.
Advocacy
A focus on government affairs allows the chamber to advocate for policies that support and foster the growth of businesses. Government affairs play a crucial role in the business landscape because government policies, regulations, and legislative changes can significantly impact how businesses operate.
Business Development & Training
Leadership development is vital in shaping the direction and future of a business. Influential leaders inspire their teams, set clear goals, and make strategic decisions that propel the business forward. By nurturing both elements, we can empower small businesses to create, sustain, and grow thriving businesses, contributing positively to Virginia's economy.
Building Meaningful Relationships
High levels of engagement and relationship-building mean that members are not just passive participants but actively involved in networking events, workshops, advocacy efforts, and other activities. This active participation can bring fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and increased energy, invigorate the chamber, and contribute to the growth of your network.
Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings
Launch your business with style through a Ribbon Cutting, Groundbreaking, Anniversary, or Grand Opening Ceremony - an essential part of your all-inclusive marketing and advertising plan. Here at the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to helping you turn your event into an overwhelming success. Seize the chance to highlight your brand, interact with the community, and pave the way for a thriving future.
Access to Capital & Resources
We provide our members with access to capital, grants, and invaluable resources tailored to support the growth and sustainability of black-owned businesses in Virginia. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we connect you with financial institutions, grant programs, and investment opportunities that can fuel your business expansion. Moreover, our resource hub offers a wealth of information on business planning, financial management, and operational strategies.
Business Accelerator Program
Coming soon in 2024. Interactive workshops will cover crucial business topics such as financial planning, sales and marketing, customer service, and legal essentials for businesses. Participants with a comprehensive understanding of key business areas to successfully sustain and grow their businesses. We provide resources, from expert advice to industry connections, aimed at empowering businesses to flourish and succeed.
Virginia Black Business Directory (VABBD)
Discover the power of visibility with the Virginia Black Business Directory, a key benefit of your membership with the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. This comprehensive directory showcases black-owned businesses across various industries in Virginia, increasing your exposure to potential customers and partners. As a member, your business will be listed in this directory, making it easier for individuals and other businesses to find and support you.
Youth Entpreprener Scholarship
A prestigious event that celebrates and recognizes the achievements of black-owned businesses in Virginia. This annual gala is a night of elegance, filled with inspiration and recognition, where we honor these businesses' remarkable contributions and successes. The Virginia Black Business Awards highlight the innovation, dedication, and impact that these entrepreneurs have made in their respective fields. This remarkable event embodies our community's spirit and the entrepreneurial drive that propels it forward.