Mission & Vision
The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce (GDBCC) is a nonprofit organization whose primary goal is to invest in the growth and development of the Black entrepreneur, the Black business, and the Black business ecosystem. Our vision is Black economic freedom. We execute our mission via our 5 pillars of service, advocacy, access to capital, access to contracts, entrepreneurial training, and ecosystem development.
Leadership
The GDBCC is led by a 17-member volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic guidance and oversight in key areas, including but not limited to development, finance, marketing, membership, and programming. Our current Board leaders include Chair Larry Borders, Vice Chair Thomas Whitehead, and Treasurer Cheryl Hodge.
The work of the chamber is executed by our staff, contractors, consultants, and volunteers. This effort is led by our President/CEO CJ Broderick.
What we Do
The GDBCC offers a wide array of strategic consulting services in economic development (marketing, business recruitment and retention, policy audit and recommendation), workforce development (educational training workshops and webinars), and supplier diversity development (program evaluation and recommendation). We also provide business and entrepreneurial development services such as business coaching, business development, mentoring, technical assistance, and other services. Additionally, we design and execute networking events to promote collaboration and innovative problem solving in our community. Our clients and partners include our membership, the community at large, small businesses, corporations, governmental agencies, and individuals.
Impact
The GDBCC continues to have a tremendous effect on the Greater Durham community. Over the last 15 years, the GDBCC has been a strong advocate for Black entrepreneurs, Black businesses, and the Black business ecosystem. We have trained, counseled, or provided technical assistance to over 12,000 entrepreneurs, supported over 1,700 businesses, and provided policy recommendations for the equitable growth of Durham’s economy. We have designed and introduced events like Durham’s Annual Black Business Gala, which honors Durham’s history of Black business achievement, highlights the outstanding contributions of our current Black business community, and inspires the future of Durham’s Black business ecosystem. We have played a leading role in annual events like Durham’s Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week.
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