Phyllis Calderon, Shaykara Webster, Yvonne Eloisebo, Leo Brownfield IV, and Arlene Donovan
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.
High school girls collaborating on a task
© Getty Images
At this very moment, women across the United States are sitting on million-dollar ideas, like a product that fills a niche or a service that solves a unique challenge. And increasingly, women are turning those ideas into entrepreneurship opportunities. Women accounted for 49% of business startups in 2021, a 28% jump from two years earlier. 
13th Annual International Women's Day Forum
© Ralph Alswang
We cannot underestimate the importance of helping women and girls develop financial acumen to position them for success, no matter their life stage or unique journey. It will positively impact our democracy, our economy and our society. To strengthen financial resilience and confidence for women, we must improve their access to financial education and resources. This starts with business taking the responsibility to ensure a more equitable future for all and continuing to make progress in our commitments to build more inclusive workplaces where everyone can advance and thrive.
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.
Bye Bye 2022
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Looking back on 2022 fills me with pride and a sense of awe at all the team has accomplished in 12 short months. The Center for Education and Workforce at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation continues to conceive of and lead long-term systems change in education and workforce—the underpinnings of American competitiveness and prosperity.
Garrett Sheehan speaking at the TPM NLN Summit
Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) received $24 million in federal funding to expand job training programs that have struggled to meet demand amid a shortage of skilled workers in the state. Garrett Sheehan, president and CEO of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, discussed the talent challenge OWS focused on when they first applied to the Good Jobs Challenge.

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