Free full-day event to celebrate and empower Black-owned businesses at Chandler Center for the Arts
CHANDLER, Ariz. — The Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ), in partnership with the City of Chandler, will host the inaugural National Black Business Month Summit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. The free, day-long celebration will highlight the achievements of Black entrepreneurs while equipping small business owners with tools for growth and success.
The summit is open to the public and will feature interactive workshops, a live panel discussion with city and business leaders, a vendor marketplace, a local art gallery, and complimentary breakfast and lunch for all attendees. The event aims to foster collaboration, education and visibility for Black-owned businesses across Arizona.
In addition to programming, the City of Chandler will conduct onsite data collection to better understand the needs of local small businesses. This effort supports future procurement pipelines and entrepreneurial training programs aimed at advancing equitable access to opportunities.
“Black-owned businesses are essential to Arizona’s economic vitality and cultural strength,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, President & CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. “This summit is a strategic gathering to empower our entrepreneurs, create pathways for wealth generation, and create lasting systems of support.”
“This summit is about connecting with our business community, learning from their experiences, and working together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all who do business in Chandler,” said Chandler DEI Officer Niki Tapia. “We’re grateful for the Black Chamber’s expertise in engaging diverse communities and helping us gather the insights needed to better serve everyone.”
August is National Black Business Month, a time to recognize and support the more than 161,000 Black-owned businesses across the United States, including approximately 1,200 in Arizona, which collectively employ 1.4 million people and generate over $206 billion in annual revenue.
To learn more about the summit or register to attend, visit Black Chamber of Arizona.
About The Black Chamber of Arizona
The Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ) boosts entrepreneurial and corporate diversity by strengthening businesses that serve all communities. They provide tools and education to make businesses more “bankable,” remove barriers to capital, and partner with educational institutions to enhance workforce diversity. Established to close the racial wealth gap, BCAZ empowers Black and underserved entrepreneurs with more than 15,000 hours of training and assistance to 1,200+ Arizona business owners. Learn more at Black Chamber of Arizona.
About the City of Chandler
Chandler, Arizona has built a reputation as a Community of Innovation. Life in Chandler goes beyond a thriving and dynamic business community with progressive entrepreneurship. Known for its rich diversity, the city offers an outstanding quality of life for all generations with great schools and recreational opportunities. Chandler has grown to become the state's fourth-largest city with a population of more than 291,000. Chandler has been named one of the nation's Best Places to Find a Job and Best Cities for Women in Tech. The city also is one of the safest communities in the nation and boasts AAA bond ratings from all three national rating agencies, one of a select few cities and towns nationally to receive this prestigious designation. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov, or connect with Chandler on social media.
Media contacts:
Marjorie Sabido
Black Chamber of Arizona, Press Team
Betsy Lizer
City of Chandler, Public Information Officer
480-782-2225