The Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) was a multi-year initiative to support small businesses as a means of assisting the communities they serve as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and chart a path forward. Small businesses are critical parts of communities – the strength of these businesses is essential to the vibrancy of their communities.
Coalition to Back Black Businesses
The CBBB was established in September 2020 by American Express, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Black Chamber of Commerce, National Business League, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and Walker’s Legacy. Made possible by additional funding from ADP, AIG, Cummins, Dow, Optimum, Shopify, S&P Global Foundation, and Stanley Black & Decker, these partners worked together to provide over $14 million in grants, mentoring/coaching, and resources to empower small businesses in economically distressed communities.
- 1,697business owners received grants
- 42states
- 70+mentors
Supporting Small Businesses
The Coalition to Back Black Businesses was a grant making initiative to provide immediate financial assistance and long-term support for America’s small businesses. These funds helped business owners cover important expenses like marketing and advertising, expanding inventory, and paying rent.
Enhancement Grant Recipients
$25,000 Enhancement Grant
The most promising and innovative small businesses from the program were awarded a $25,000 enhancement grant to further solidify their resilience and long-term success. This grant helped these businesses develop a stronger online presence, relocate to a larger physical space, increase marketing efforts, and more.
Insights & Reports
Here's a snapshot of the impact CBBB has had on small businesses, how they used the grant, and insights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Phillip Hall, executive director of Panoramic Learning Academy (PLA), is committed to each child's learning development, with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, as well as social skills. Learn how PLA is making long-lasting impacts in the community.
Harlem Cycle, a boutique indoor cycling studio based in New York City, was founded on the belief that everyone should have equal access to wellness. During the pandemic, owner and founder Tammeca Rochester pivoted her business to meet the needs of her community and stay afloat.
In the News
Latest Content
The Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) today announced it has awarded $25,000 enhancement grants to 14 Black small business owners across the U.S. to support their growth and long-term success.
The work being done through the Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) is not only empowering Black entrepreneurs across the U.S., but also the communities they serve. With access to capital being a major issue, CBBB grants help to create opportunities and economic growth that benefits everyone. Now, we’re sharing the stories of the business owners directly impacted by CBBB and how they’re advocating for equal access to opportunity.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation's Coalition to Back Black Business (CBBB) today announced it has awarded $5,000 grants to 324 Black small business owners representing 40 states, District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, delivering on its mission to advance the long-term success and resilience of America’s Black-owned small businesses.
The Coalition to Back Black Business (CBBB) today announced it has awarded $5,000 grants to 324 Black small business owners representing 40 states, District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, delivering on its mission to advance the long-term success and resilience of America’s Black-owned small businesses.
Hear from Black small business owners on how the current economic climate has impacted their companies as they navigate this challenging time.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and American Express today announced that the Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) is now accepting applications for its 2022-23 grant program, which will provide $5,000 grants to 272 Black-owned small businesses to help them meet critical needs and invest in long-term growth.
Phillip Hall, executive director of PLA, is committed to each child's learning development, with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, as well as social skills. Learn how Panoramic Learning Academy is making long-lasting impacts in the community.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced that the Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) has awarded 20 Black-owned small businesses from CBBB’s 2021 grant program an additional $25,000 enhancement grant to support their growth and long-term success.
Vaughn Dabney, founder and CEO of Unoma Haus, has a mission to redefine what home means. He views the van conversion company as an avenue to building a network of community spaces for adventure seekers wanting to experience a nomadic lifestyle.
Harlem Cycle, a boutique indoor cycling studio based in New York City, was founded on the belief that everyone should have equal access to wellness. This past year, the spin studio was awarded a $5,000 grant by the Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) to support this growing community of riders.
