U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

(CHICAGO – MARCH 12, 2025) – Ferrero North America?launched the 2025 Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative?today, in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Now in its fifth year, the IFS program creates pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing a total of $150,000 in awards each year. IFS awards three recipients $50,000 in addition to mentorship and access to networking and educational resources. Created to honor the brand founder Wally Amos’ legacy, IFS celebrates the qualities that make business owners unique and fosters long-term success for their companies. “Wally Amos was boldly original, and his vision and impact are still part of Famous Amos to this day,” said Rachna Patel, Vice President of Marketing for Famous Amos. “Ingredients for Success pays tribute to the brand’s roots by helping early-stage Black business owners work toward their dreams – ultimately helping fuel a community where individuality and innovation can thrive long-term.” Learn more at https://conta.cc/3R3rPr5

Talisha Bekavac, USBC EVP participating on a panel today with Verizon about the History of American Entrepreneurship in the U.S. alongside Alexander Austin, President & CEO of Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, Carl Brown Jr., State/Executive Director of the D.C. Small Business Development Center and moderated by Michele Cober, Executive Director of External Affairs & Strategic Alliances, Verizon.

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From 2017 to 2022, Black-owned employer businesses were drivers of economic growth, boosting economies in both red and blue states while providing spillover effects that helped residents of rural and urban areas. Black-owned businesses saw tremendous growth over the period, adding roughly 70,500 new employer firms to the national economy—equivalent to about half of the overall increase. On Thursday, February 20, Brookings Metro will host an event to discuss this growth. Andre M. Perry, senior fellow and director for the Center for Community Uplift at The Brookings Institution will also present new data on the impact of investing in Black-owned businesses. Following this CapEQ President and CEO Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, will moderate a panel featuring myself, The Burns Brothers Co-Founder John Burns and National Bankers Association President and CEO Nicole A. Elam, Esq., will discuss how to maintain this momentum in light of changing federal regulations. Register here: https://brook.gs/3WS2yn5

In honor of Black History Month, join us to shine a spotlight on the significance of African American businesses and the vital role they have played in our economy. Along with U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, and the D.C. Small Business Development Center, this event will explore the rich history of African American entrepreneurs and small business owners in America. We will also explore how tools like Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready program are uniting communities, fueling greatness, and helping all small business owners level-up and thrive. https://lnkd.in/efp7nfv3

Tune into this livestream on Feb 27th and learn how to use AI to: - Boost efficiency ?? - Automate repetitive tasks ?? - Analyze data ?? Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights and learn AI basics from a Grow with Google Coach. ???? Register today at https://lnkd.in/eEpvVut6 Tune in at: g.co/grow/bhm2025 ????

NABOB and USBC Applaud Bipartisan Reintroduction of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Washington, D.C. —?The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB), a division of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), and the USBC commend Senate lawmakers for the bipartisan?vote that sent the?AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act?to the full Senate. This critical legislation garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in the 118th Congress and is essential to preserving a vital lifeline of information and connection for millions of Americans, particularly in African American communities. NABOB and USBC extend their gratitude to Chairman Ted Cruz, Senator Ed Markey, and their bipartisan cosponsors for their leadership in ensuring AM radio remains accessible in all vehicles, including electric vehicles. This legislation addresses a growing concern stemming from decisions by several automobile manufacturers to eliminate AM radio from electric vehicles. Such a move threatens to marginalize the vital role of AM radio in delivering culturally relevant, community-focused, and often life-saving content. With AM radio being a critical platform for Black-owned media, the removal of this medium would exacerbate the already minimal Black ownership of broadcast stations in the United States and further limit?the ability of the American public to hear the voices of Black Americans. “AM radio is more than a platform—it is a pillar of connection, culture, and community,” said?James Winston, President of NABOB. “For African American communities, AM radio fills a critical void by providing locally produced content that addresses our unique needs and experiences. The removal of AM radio from vehicles not only threatens the sustainability of Black-owned radio stations but also hinders access to information during emergencies. We are committed to working with Congress to ensure this legislation is passed.” Black ownership of radio stations is already disproportionately low. Of the 220 radio stations owned by African Americans, nearly half—103 stations—are AM stations, making them especially vulnerable to this policy shift. Losing AM radios in vehicles would endanger the livelihood of Black media enterprises and limit the availability of programming tailored to African American communities. According to Nielsen, over 80 million people in the U.S. rely on AM radio each month. AM stations provide news, weather updates, entertainment, religious and cultural programming, and emergency broadcasts. African American communities are vital for promoting local businesses and maintaining cultural connections in rural areas.?During emergencies, AM radio is often the only reliable communication channel. Read more at https://lnkd.in/eA2hfHfC

Interested in learning more about how Google products can help you reach your business goals? For a limited time, USBC members can receive a free consultation with a Google Small Business Advisor — sign up at goo.gle/sba-code. Learn more about Google’s Small Business Advisors program at https://lnkd.in/exAQH8JS. #BlackOwnedBusiness #SupportBlackOwned

Mark your calendars! The 2025 USBC National Conference is coming to Washington, D.C., July 16-18, 2025. This year, we’re celebrating "The Year of the Member"—a powerful gathering where Black business excellence, innovation, and community will shine brighter than ever. Join us for: ? Impactful mainstage sessions ?? Hands-on workshops ?? Unforgettable evening experiences ?? Early bird tickets are available now! Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot at the premier conference for Black business owners and chamber leaders. ?? Visit www.usblackchambers.org to purchase your early bird tickets today. Stay tuned as we unveil an incredible lineup of speakers, sessions, and events designed to empower and celebrate our members.

The final workshop offers information on how to finance your small business. In this session, discussions include sources of funds, accounting, the six C's of credit, banking relations, ratio analysis, and monthly preparation and review of financial statements. #SmallBusinessFinance #BusinessWorkshop #FinancialLiteracy #FundingYourBusiness #Entrepreneurship #FinanceTips #BusinessGrowth #FinancialEducation