In a bold move to strengthen its impact and better serve the needs of Black entrepreneurs, the Black Business Association of Memphis (BBA) has officially rebranded as the Black Chamber of Memphis (BCOM).
The change was officially announced during the organization’s 50th-anniversary “Building Wealth in the Black Community” Symposium this past weekend.
“Our rebrand to the Black Chamber of Memphis is not just a change in name but a renewed promise to meet the needs of our community,” said Ernest Strickland, President & CEO of BCOM. “Whether you’re a solopreneur or a larger business, BCOM’s tailored offerings ensure you receive the one-on-one engagement, reliable resources, and advocacy necessary to succeed in today’s market.”
The symposium’s keynote address was delivered by Juanita McDowell, Founder of In Motion Consulting, who provided powerful insights on elevating the Black business experience through strategic planning and leveraging modern technologies. McDowell’s address set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of innovation and resilience in today’s competitive market.
In addition to the keynote, the event included a wealth-building strategies session led by Carolyn Hardy, where she shared her success in business acquisition and offered practical advice on generating wealth. Other panels featured experts from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Memphis Area Transit Authority.
Several businesses were also awarded “Business Booster” grants from BCOM.
For more than five decades, the BBA has been a cornerstone in the Memphis business community, advocating for Black-owned businesses and providing essential resources to help them thrive.
With the rebranding to BCOM, the organization is recommitting itself to fostering economic growth, building generational wealth, and enhancing opportunities for Black entrepreneurs across the city.
“We’ve had the association model for the last 50 years,” Strickland told the TSD before the official announcement. “The direction that we’re headed, especially with DEI being under attack the way that it is, we need a stronger entity.”
The rebranding aligns with a broader vision that Strickland shared during a recent interview, reflecting on the evolution of the organization and its mission.
“We’re reflecting on the origin of the organization—why there was a need for an entity that works specifically to ensure Black businesses have advocacy and access to technical assistance,” Strickland said. “What’s profound to us is that the need that existed 50 years ago still exists today. Although there has been some progress, there’s still so much more work to do, and our mission today is as relevant as it was 50 years ago.”
Expanding Services with Modern Technology
As part of its enhanced services, BCOM has introduced the BBA CHAT AI Capacity Building assessment tool, an innovative resource that uses AI technology to help members identify their ideal target audiences more quickly and efficiently. This tool is a testament to BCOM’s commitment to integrating modern technology into its offerings, ensuring that its members are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive in today’s competitive market.
Strickland also highlighted the importance of leveraging opportunities rather than merely responding to necessity—a concept central to the organization’s future direction.
“When we talk about businesses born out of necessity, we’re referring to those that are often started because someone’s current job isn’t providing the revenue they need,” Strickland said. “But businesses born out of opportunity are those that are started by innovative entrepreneurs who identify a trend, like the rise of AI, and decide to leverage their skills to capitalize on it.”
Tailored Memberships for All Business Sizes
BCOM’s rebranding also includes a revamp of its membership offerings. Designed to serve a diverse range of business owners—from solopreneurs to companies with 10-20 employees and beyond, including corporate memberships—the new structure ensures that every member can access the resources and support they need to succeed.
“Our membership levels are tailored to meet the specific needs of various business sizes, ensuring that everyone from solo entrepreneurs to larger companies receives the advocacy and resources they need,” said Strickland.
As the Black Chamber of Memphis, BCOM is poised to build on its 50-year history, driving economic growth and building a thriving business ecosystem in the city. To learn more about BCOM and its new initiatives, visit their newly launched website at blackchamberofmemphis.org.
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