ECC Black Chamber Programs

---

Empowering Entrepreneurs to Build, Grow, and Thrive
This foundational program equips East Contra Costa's Black entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and community support needed to launch and expand successful businesses. With rotating workshops across Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley, participants receive hands-on guidance in business planning, digital branding, legal setup, and growth strategy. Includes one-on-one expert office hours, peer networking mixers, and tangible tools for real results.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Bold Black Leaders
A 6-week hybrid program that empowers youth ages 14–24 to explore entrepreneurship and leadership. Youth gain practical skills in business ideation, branding, budgeting, and public speaking while being mentored by local Black professionals. The program culminates in a live pitch competition with scholarships and prizes. Leadership development and career readiness are woven throughout, shaping future changemakers.

This civic engagement platform amplifies Black voices and drives equity in public policy. Through community listening sessions, roundtables with elected officials, and advocacy letters of support, ECCBCC ensures that Black-owned businesses are heard and represented. Anchored by the "Why We Matter" campaign and Black Business Directory, this initiative fuels visibility, collective action, and systemic change.

A hands-on financial literacy program designed to help Black business owners master money management, funding strategies, and sustainable practices. From grant writing workshops and credit education to bookkeeping and tax support, this hub bridges knowledge gaps and connects members with local financial institutions. It's a one-stop ecosystem for building lasting business stability.

Quarterly peer-to-peer circles where Black business owners come together to set goals, share wins, and build capacity through faith and strategy. Each session includes visioning exercises, business development check-ins, and guest coaching from seasoned entrepreneurs or ministry-aligned leaders. A safe space to grow both spiritually and professionally.

Many Black entrepreneurs operate without the credit, capital, or connections to grow. This program bridges that gap. Monthly workshops with banks, credit unions, and CDFIs teach the essentials of business credit, financial systems, and funding pathways. Participants receive 1:1 financial coaching, grant support, and step-by-step access to microloans or capital sources.

A game-changing initiative that demystifies how to get certified, respond to RFPs, and land city, county, and corporate contracts. Workshops cover MBE, WBE, DBE, and ByBlack certifications. Includes bid prep, matchmaking with procurement officers, and a vendor referral guide to get Black-owned businesses listed and hired.

This high-energy event brings together ECC’s Black entrepreneurs, creatives, and service providers to connect directly with consumers, corporate buyers, and civic leaders. The showcase uplifts businesses across industries—retail, culinary, wellness, professional services—and provides an engaging public platform to inspire support, spark partnerships, and keep dollars circulating in our community.