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
Masden started Apostrophe Puzzles to showcase the work of contemporary artists of color in December 2019 and received a grant from the Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) last year. The multi-year initiative founded in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, American Express, and the nation’s four leading Black chambers – provides critical support and immediate financial aid to Black-owned small businesses through grants, mentorship, and other resources.
Ron Holloway, co-owner of Woofbowl, a food truck business that specializes in nutrient-dense meals for dogs, navigates specific challenges as a small business owner amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) – a multi-year initiative founded in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, American Express, and the nation’s four leading Black chambers – helps provide opportunities for success. Since launch, the CBBB has distributed $5,000 grants to more than 1,000 Black small business owners across the country and continues to offer resources to help business owners thrive.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced that the Coalition to Back Black Businesses is now accepting applications for its 2021 grant program, which will provide $5,000 grants each to more than 400 small business owners to help them meet critical business needs.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation conducted a series of interviews featuring Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) grantees and their stories. We heard from Black small business owners on how the CBBB grant helped them, the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, and what Black business owners need during this challenging time.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation conducted a series of interviews featuring Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) grantees and their stories. We heard from Black small business owners on how the CBBB grant helped them, the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, and what Black business owners need during this challenging time.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation conducted a series of interviews featuring Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) grantees and their stories, including LAMIK Beauty Founder Kim Roxie.
The Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB), launched in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, American Express, and the nation’s four leading Black chambers – the National Black Chamber of Commerce, National Business League, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and Walker’s Legacy – announced it has awarded $5,000 grants to 600 Black-owned small businesses in 33 states.
