Newsflash: May 2014 Edition
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"Evolution of Black Business" A Win in Kansas City
USBC Solutions Series event with KBCC was another success!
On Thursday, May 1st the Kansas Black Chamber of Commerce (KBCC) hosted "The Evolution of Black Business," wrapping up the third city on the USBC Solutions Series. KBCC President, Christal Watson, framed the day's discussion around the history and importance of supporting Black-owned businesses in the Kansas City area.
Business owners and community leaders participated in the robust discussion, offering key insights and tangible tools to help grow Black businesses in Kansas City. Keynote speaker, Maggie Anderson, delivered an accurate, and hard-hitting speech, that inspired everyone in the room. Panel sessions on Access to Capital and Entrepreneur Training were also very informative for the business owners.
A special thank you to all the USBC partners that joined us in Kansas CIty: Black Enterprise, Google, Native American Contractors Association (NACA), Wells Fargo, IBM, and SBA.
We look forward to seeing you all in our next Solutions Series event in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9th!
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 A 'Sterling' Example of Our Confusion
Message From The President, Ron Busby, Sr.
Let me get my disclaimer out of the way first... The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) is a business organization. Our sole purpose is to improve the lives of Black people by actively working to change the market environment. We advocate for improvements in capital access, increased opportunity and the transfer of the skills necessary to successfully, and profitably compete in America's economy. Despite this clarity of purpose, we are often called upon to weigh in on issues that typically are addressed by civil rights or social justice organizations. For certain, we are Black in America, so we do have opinions about continued evidence of inequality, racism, bigotry, discrimination and hatred being directed against Black people. But, as I said, we are a business organization, so our perspective is always going to be a business perspective. Donald Sterling is a businessman who owns, among other interests, a National Basketball Association franchise. Donald Sterling said some insulting remarks that prove his disdain for Black people, presumably including the men whose athletic ability make his franchise valuable. And, Donald Sterling, through his twisted thinking, has hijacked ALL of Black America's communications channels. Click here to read more. |
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Exclusive Members Only Discounts
Black Enterprise Subscriptions
USBC members can now sign up for 10 months of Black Enterprise Magazine for just $10! Members will receive a code to access this special offer. Sign up to become a USBC Member now to qualify for the discount! (Limited to current members only.)
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National Small Business Week
May 12 - May 16
Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. In-person events will be in the following cities: |
Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendar
May 14 - 17Columbus, OHBlack Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference
The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo (BEEC) is designed to provide attendees with the latest and most innovative strategies from today's top business minds. The conference will also provide high-powered networking opportunities that are critical for attendees' to take their businesses from successful launch to growth and profitability.
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 May 15New Orleans, LANORBCC Business After Dark (BAD) Networking Premier event for business professionals hosted at Elmwood Self Storage and Wine Cellar. Please be sure to RSVP at [email protected] |
 May 20Baltimore, MDMBE University Conference Maryland's Governor's Office of Minority Affairs is hosting its 5th Anniversary MBE University Conference on May 20, 2014 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Here are a few workshops scheduled: - Crafting the Winning Bid: How to Respond to State Contract Solicitations
- Global Entrepreneurship: Developing Small Businesses Without Borders
- Purchasing Best Practices: Winning Work in the Private Sector
- alt-E: Harnessing the Power of Maryland's Future Offshore Wind Market
See the conference website here |
 May 22Washington, DCDC Chamber Small Business Awards & Expo Join us along with more than 400 business owners and executives - a veritable "Who's Who" of the District's small business community, including corporate executives, small business owners, college and university faculty and administrators, legislators and other government officials, healthcare providers, and major technology companies.
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 Registration Deadline: May 31Dallas, TXTAAACC Collegiate Entrepreneur Competition The Competition is an entrepreneurial pitch contest for African American college students. This contest was created after a long observation of the new emerging entrepreneurial and venture capitalist craze that has started and grown especially with reality shows like "Shark Tank". However, we have observed and studied the disparity between Black entrepreneurs and the little to no money allotted or even the dismal opportunity to compete.
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 June 9Los Angeles, CASolutions Series Event Sheraton Gateway, LAX 6101 W. Century Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90045 Access to Capital, Contracting, and Entrepreneur Training Workshops - 9am - 12pm. |
 July 17Washington, DCFederal Reserve Board Vendor Outreach Fair The fair gives you an opportunity to market your products and services to technical and procurement representatives from the Board, Reserve Banks, and other federal government agencies, and we will provide you with comprehensive information regarding contracting opportunities. Please bring your company's capability statement, presentations, and marketing materials related to your products and services. Registration is now open: Click here |
Chamber News
The latest from our members across the country
Chamber of the Month
 The Cameroonian American Chamber of Commerce (CAMAM) is a member-based nonprofit organization advocating for private sector development in Cameroon, particularly through promoting active engagement from members of the diaspora in the United States. We aim to intensify international cooperation, improve knowledge sharing, and promote initiatives which can lead to more inclusive economic growth.
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 Business of the Month SideStreet Pictures is a full service boutique production company experienced in both traditional and emerging digital markets. They help brands and agencies create and produce video and digital-led branded storytelling. Whether broadcast commercials, television promos, branded content for the web or viral videos, they can take a project from conceptualization, filming, to final delivery. Their state of the art in house post-Production team has the world's largest brands making their visions come to life. |
Register Now!
USBC School of Chamber & Business Management
Tuesday July 8 - Friday July 11
Washington, DC
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Inner City Capital Connections
Increasing Access to Capital
Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is the country's only program that educates investment-ready inner city companies about accessing capital and achieving sustainable growth. By focusing on distressed communities, ICCC reaches a diverse network of businesses: 76% of all ICCC companies are minority-owned, and 31% are woman-owned. Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is a free national program designed to drive the growth of inner city companies. ICCC shows companies how to tap into sources of capital, educates them on their financial options, and provides a forum where companies can connect with investors. Nominate a small business today |
Partner Spotlight
Wells Fargo Works For Small Business
Wells Fargo Works for Small Business gives business owners support with building their knowledge base, accessing capital, and expanding their support network in their community.
In addition to this new resource, Wells Fargo has also announced a goal to extend $100 billion in new lending to small businesses by 2018.
Small business contest runs May 1 - June 30
Small business owners nationwide also have the chance to each win $25,000, along with mentorship and other support, plus $5,000 for a charity in their community. To enter, they'll need to submit a two-and-a-half minute video or 600 word essay about their business. Winners will be announced in September. Go to WellsFargoWorks.com to learn more about Wells Fargo Works for Small Business and how you could win the Wells Fargo Works Project experience for your business.
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Keep Moving Foward
USBC's 5-Year Review
In case you missed it, take a look at our 5-Year Review to learn about the USBC's milestones and achievements on behalf of our members.
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Invest in the Future of Black Business
USBC Community Economic Development Corporation
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) Community Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) invests in the economy by providing educational and employment opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals. The USBC CEDC also conducts market research on current Black business trends, consumer spend and employment figures.
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Contracting Opportunities
For Business Owners
U.S. Department of LaborAdministrative Management Support Services Office: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Set Aside: Competitive 8(a) Classification Code: R -- Professional, administrative, and management support services NAICS Code: 561 -- Administrative and Support Services/561110 -- Office Administrative Services Click here for more informationNational Institutes of HealthDesign-Build Services of Design & Construction for Decommission & Demolition of Building's 7 & 9 located on NIH's main campus Location: Office of Research Facilities/Office of Acquisitions Set Aside: Competitive 8(a) Classification Code: Y -- Construction of structures and facilities NAICS Code: 236 -- Construction of Buildings/236220 -- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction Click here for more informationBroadcasting Board of GovernorsMedium Wave Antenna Towers Painting in the Republic of Cyprus Office: Director, Office of Contracts Set Aside: Competitive 8(a) Classification Code: J -- Maintenance, repair & rebuilding of equipment NAICS Code: 515 -- Broadcasting (except Internet)/515112 -- Radio Stations Click here for more information
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Job Opportunities
For Jobseekers
Gap, Inc.
Manager, Global Supply Chain Communications and Engagement
San Francisco, CA
This individual works closely with the Global Corporate Affairs team in communicating Gap Inc.-sponsored events and programs and plays a key role in supporting the Government & Public Affairs team in issues and crisis management.
Based in San Francisco, this position works closely with the Global Supply Chain HR and business leaders around the world.
Click here for more information
Nielsen (Three Opportunities)
Administrative Assistant
New York, NY
Click here for job description
Northeast Director
New York, NY
Click here for job description
West Coast Director
Los Angeles, CA
Click here for job description
The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network
Executive Director
Oakland, CA
The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN) is seeking an Executive Director. In partnership with the Board of Directors and staff, the successful candidate will develop and implement a strategy to grow CPEHN's impact on health equity in communities of color in California and ensure CPEHN is prepared to meet new opportunities and challenges.
Click here for job description
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Social Media
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Contact:
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U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
1156 15th Street, NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
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