The Minnesota Black Chamber Is the Statewide Voice for Black Business.
Policy shapes the environment in which Black businesses operate. Access to procurement contracts, business financing, regulatory requirements, and tax policy are all determined — at least in part — by the decisions made in legislative chambers and executive agencies.
The Minnesota Black Chamber engages in those conversations as a credible, data-driven, and persistent advocate for the interests of Black entrepreneurs across Minnesota. We don't just react to policy. We shape it.
Our Policy Priorities
Procurement Equity
Minnesota corporations and government agencies spend billions of dollars annually on goods and services. Black-owned businesses receive a fraction of that spend. The Chamber advocates for procurement policies — at the state, county, and city level — that set meaningful goals, require accountability, and create real pathways for Black-owned businesses to compete for and win public contracts.
Capital Access
Black entrepreneurs face higher loan denial rates, lower average loan amounts, and less access to venture capital than white entrepreneurs with comparable businesses. The Chamber advocates for expanded CDFI support, small business loan guarantee programs, and anti-discrimination enforcement in lending — and for corporate and philanthropic investment in capital programs that serve Black-owned businesses.
Supplier Diversity Accountability
Corporate commitments to supplier diversity are only as valuable as the outcomes they produce. The Chamber advocates for transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes in corporate supplier diversity programs — and works directly with corporate partners to close the gap between commitment and action.
Business Certification Reform
Minority Business Enterprise, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, and other certifications unlock procurement opportunities — but the certification process is often complex, costly, and time-consuming. The Chamber advocates for streamlined, more accessible certification processes that don't create additional barriers for the businesses they are meant to serve.
Wealth Building and Economic Mobility
Business ownership is one of the most reliable pathways to generational wealth. The Chamber supports policies that enable business equity growth, intergenerational business transfer, and community reinvestment by Black entrepreneurs — and opposes policies that undermine the ability of Black entrepreneurs to build lasting wealth through their businesses.
Legislative Tracker
The Chamber tracks state and federal legislation relevant to Black business in Minnesota throughout every legislative session. Our tracker is updated regularly — so members, partners, and advocates can follow the bills that matter and take action when it counts.
[COPY NOTE: Dynamic content block — updates during legislative session. Integrate with email alert system for subscriber notifications.]
PRIMARY CTA: [ View the Legislative Tracker ]
Take Action
The Chamber's advocacy is most powerful when the entrepreneurs it represents engage directly with their elected representatives. Use the tools below to contact your legislators, submit comments on regulatory proceedings, and make your voice heard.
- Contact your legislators — find your state representative and senator by zip code
- Send a message — customizable advocacy message templates for current priority issues
- Sign on to letters — public letters and comments on regulatory proceedings
- Advocacy calendar — upcoming hearings, town halls, and stakeholder meetings
PRIMARY CTA: [ Take Action ]
SECONDARY CTA: [ Download Our Policy Brief ]