Our History
The Black Chamber of Commerce - Summit County (BCCSC) was established in 2024 with a clear mission to strengthen economic growth in our local community and to empower Black-owned businesses in Summit County.
Founding and Early Years
Founded by visionary business leaders and community change agents Misty E. Beasley and Robert DeJournett, the BCCSC was formed to address the pressing need to bridge economic disparities and foster success for Black-owned businesses. Leveraging their combined 30+ years of expertise in minority business development and DEI initiatives, Beasley and DeJournett set the foundation for a robust and supportive organization.
Guiding Principles and Goals
From our inception, the BCCSC is guided by a commitment to:
Address Economic Disparities: Bridge economic disparities and foster success for Black-owned businesses.
Empowerment through Support: Provide impactful solutions, resources, advocacy, and support to enhance Black-owned businesses' economic status and resilience.
Community Building: Dedicate efforts to bridging the racial wealth gap through community building initiatives.
Our Impact
As a trusted advocate and conduit for the Black community, the BCCSC strives to create a thriving ecosystem where Black-owned businesses can succeed and contribute to the local economy.
A Legacy of Support and Empowerment
With the support of our Founding Donors and a coalition of individuals, business owners, stakeholders, and leaders the BCCSC continues to grow and evolve and the dedication to supporting and empowering Black-owned businesses remains unwavering. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we work together to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all!
OUR PURPOSE
We unify our resources, knowledge, and connections to empower Black-owned businesses to thrive and be sustainable.
OUR VISION
"Fostering a thriving, equitable, and inclusive business ecosystem where Black-owned businesses excel, drive sustainable economic growth, and enrich the prosperity of Summit County’s community for generations to come."
BCCSC BRAND pillars
Advocacy & Influence Champion the interests of Black-owned businesses through strong representation, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships that amplify their voices locally and beyond | Empowerment and Growth Foster economic development by providing access to resources, education, mentorship, and opportunities that promote sustainable growth and success for Black entrepreneurs in all stages of businesses
| Integrity and Impact Uphold the highest standards of authenticity, ethical leadership, and smart governance to build trust within the business community, ensuring our actions lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes |
We promise to Advocate - Educate - Empower - Elevate
BCCSC Brand Promises
Addressing Ecosystem Challenges BCCSC champions innovative solutions through advocacy, strategic collaborations, and partnerships, tackling key challenges like access to funding, policy barriers, and market visibility that Black entrepreneurs face | Empowering Growth & Development BCCSC drives sustainable growth through education, empowerment, and hands-on support, providing practical solutions that enable Black-owned businesses to scale and succeeds | Your Reliable Connection We connect Black-owned businesses to essential resources, events, and strategic networking opportunities, empowering them to grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact within the community |