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          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

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          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

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          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

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        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

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          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

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          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

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          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

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          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

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          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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          Small Business
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          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

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          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

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          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

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          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

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          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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Bostonchamber
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
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Black History Month in Boston:
Support Local Black-Owned Businesses

February 5, 2025 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Black-owned businesses play a key role in our community, enriching Greater Boston both culturally and financially through their diverse products and services offerings. This Black History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on six exceptional Black-owned businesses and highlighting tangible ways to offer your support this February and beyond. 

Black-Owned Businesses in the Spotlight 

Whether you’re seeking mental health support, event planning expertise, or opportunities to engage in community development, we’ve got you covered. The businesses listed below embody the resilience, creativity, and dedication that power Greater Boston’s business community. Explore these local businesses that are making an impact in our region.  

Renewed Mindset, LLC
Renewed Mindset, LLC

Renewed Mindset, LLC

Renewed Mindset’s mission is to assist organizations in achieving diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), team and organizational goals through consultation, analysis, training, and collaboration. Their goal is to help organizations achieve success by helping to transform their business mindsets and challenging them to think differently about business issues and solutions.

They offer a variety of specialized services, including DEIB solutions, training, meeting facilitation, team building/development and organization effectiveness.

Learn More
The Social Butterflies Boston
The Social Butterflies Boston

The Social Butterflies Events

The Social Butterflies Events is a Black-owned, women-led event planning company based in the heart of Boston, MA, founded by Paige Pasley and Valerie Francois. With over eight years of experience and a portfolio of hundreds of successful events, TSB Events specializes in planning, coordination, and design for weddings, corporate celebrations, and other milestone occasions.

The team takes pride in delivering seamless event experiences, from concept to execution, ensuring every detail is handled with precision, creativity, and care. TSB Events is committed to transparency, building strong relationships with both clients and vendors, making each celebration a unique and unforgettable experience.

Learn More
OnyxGroup Realty & Development, LLC
OnyxGroup Realty & Development, LLC

OnyxGroup Realty & Development, LLC

The OnyxGroup Development LLC, co-founded by Chanda Smart and Shabnam Mashmasarmi, is a Black woman-owned and operated development firm based in Boston, MA. Established in 2021, the company focuses on providing high-quality, programmatic workforce housing through strategic public and private partnerships.

Their mission is clear: affordable housing should not be synonymous with poverty. Current projects include a 200-unit senior affordable housing development in Foxboro, MA, a mixed-use residential project in Brockton, MA, and a 41,000 sq. ft. commercial space in Roxbury, MA. The OnyxGroup is also expanding its portfolio with a new property management division, collaborating with Concord Square Development & Planning.

Learn More
The Base Boston
The Base Boston

The Base

The BASE is a Boston-based organization dedicated to creating new pathways to success for urban youth by leveraging the power of sports and education. Their mission is to empower young people to thrive in the American economy by fostering talent, hope, and belief. The BASE offers a variety of programs designed to develop both the athletic and academic potential of student-athletes. Through initiatives like the College Access Program, they provide personalized college application support, campus tours, and scholarship guidance, ensuring their youth have the resources to succeed academically.

Beyond sports, The BASE connects student-athletes with career opportunities through internships, workshops, and partnerships with local businesses, giving them real-world exposure to different industries and professions. By focusing on the physical, mental, and social well-being of their youth, The BASE ensures that each participant not only excels in athletics but also develops the skills and confidence needed to lead and succeed in life.

Learn More
Black History Month Blog
Black History Month Blog

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) is dedicated to serving as a center of healing, teaching, and learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. Founded in 1994 by Clementina Chéry, the Institute honors the legacy of her son, Louis D. Brown, and continues the work he began in promoting peace and healing. LDBPI’s mission is to create and sustain an environment where all families can live in peace and all people are valued.

Through programs like the Peace Curriculum, which has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for its contribution to reducing juvenile crime, the Institute works to educate and support individuals in navigating the complexities of grief, trauma, and loss. Over the years, LDBPI has become a crucial resource for survivors of homicide victims, ensuring they receive the dignity and compassion they deserve, regardless of their loved one’s background. Through the Survivors Outreach Services program and other initiatives, the Institute has transformed how society responds to homicide, providing a model for other cities and communities to follow.

Learn More
Black History Month Boston
Black History Month Boston

Clarke’s Cakes & Cookies

Clarke’s Cakes & Cookies offers a delightful twist on dessert, serving up 100% vegan treats that never sacrifice taste or texture. Each bite is crafted with compassion and culinary artistry, ensuring a sweet experience that’s both indulgent and ethical. Join the sweet revolution and enjoy flavorful, guilt-free indulgence from a Black-owned business making waves in the dessert world. Featured by top media outlets like Martha Stewart, Boston.com, and The Boston Globe, Clarke’s is your go-to for delectable vegan desserts.

Learn More

How To Offer Your Support  

There are numerous ways to support local businesses worth exploring. Big or small, each action counts in contributing to their success:  

  • Make a Purchase – Buy products or services directly from the business to help sustain their operations. 
  • Leave a Review – Positive reviews on websites like Google, Yelp, or social media platforms can boost a business’s visibility and credibility. 
  • Spread the Word – Share your experience with friends, family, or on social media to help expand the business’s reach. 
  • Collaborate or Partner – If you’re a business owner, explore opportunities to collaborate or partner with Black-owned businesses to create mutual growth. 
  • Attend Events or Workshops – Participate in any events, webinars, or workshops they may offer, providing both exposure and support. 

By uplifting these businesses and many others like them at the heart of Boston, we are investing in the future of our community, ensuring it remains dynamic, inclusive, and economically strong. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” The vitality of our community depends on our collective support and effort to empower businesses and individuals from all backgrounds. Let’s continue to work together, support the Black-owned businesses of our community, and create a future where all businesses and all people can thrive. 

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