No Longer Divided
ONE VISION. ONE COMMUNITY. UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITY.
Sept 9–10, 2026
Wind Creek Chicago Southland
East Hazel Crest, Illinois
21ST ANNUAL CONVENTION
Agenda
Two days of powerful conversations, strategic connections, and actionable solutions.
Download Full Schedule (PDF)Continental Breakfast
Fuel up for the convention and connect with fellow attendees, business owners, and corporate partners over breakfast.
One-on-One Matchmaker Sessions & Concurrent Workshops
Participate in tailored one-on-one matchmaking meetings or attend powerful concurrent workshop panels running throughout the morning block.
Session Overview
- One-on-One Matchmaker Sessions (9:00 AM - 12:15 PM): Tailored, efficient meetings connecting businesses with buyers, state agencies, and strategic prime partners. Come with your pitch – leave with new possibilities.
Capital Access Panel: Identifying Where's the Money
Access the funding. Fuel your growth. Build your legacy. Discover SBA loans, grants, and other capital sources, meet lenders & investors, and gain practical insights on preparing, qualifying, and securing capital.
Structuring Capital for Scalable Clean Energy Projects
Hilary Scott-Ogunrinde outlines key strategies for structuring capital stacks that support scalable energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, providing practical guidance for municipalities, developers, contractors, and businesses seeking to finance and advance clean energy solutions.
Where to Go and What to Do in Black America
Connect. Collaborate. Create Impact. Explore opportunities across Black Chambers nationwide, learn best practices and growth strategies, build powerful partnerships across state lines, and strengthen Black business communities together.
Lunch and Networking
A midday break to enjoy lunch and network with other delegates, sponsors, and community leaders.
Doing Business with Agencies: Procurement Conversation & Forum
Connect with leaders from Central Management Services (CMS), the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), City of Chicago, and procurement leadership on expanding access to state and city opportunities, competitive bidding strategies, agency pipelines, and strengthening Black participation.
Inside the Contracting Pipeline: Construction Forum & Procurement Opportunities
Go behind the scenes of the construction contracting pipeline with leaders who manage and award major projects across IDOT, Capital Development Board, Turner, Walsh, BCOE, Ujamaa, BOWA, Tollway, CTA, and CDA. Learn how to navigate bidding processes, build prime–sub–agency relationships, and win contracts.
Welcome Reception, Business Excellence Awards, and Entertainment
The convention kicks off with an evening of connection, celebration, and entertainment, as we honor outstanding businesses, enjoy live performances, and mingle over food and conversation. It’s the perfect way to toast shared success—with purpose, applause, and sparkle.