The Role of the African American Chamber of Commerce

 

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey(AACCNJ) performs an essential role in New Jersey’s Economy. As affirmed in its mission statement, the Chamber seeks to economically empower and sustain African American communities, facilitating entrepreneurship and free enterprise activity within the state, with direct outreach programs. Different from acting as simply an association of allied businesses, the Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group, similar to the National Black Chamber. While providing a collective voice for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity while fostering a climate of growth through major initiatives on the educational and public policy levels.

 

Mission

 

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Inc., (AACCNJ) is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activities within the State of New Jersey and via interaction with the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (NBCC).

 

AACCNJ at Work - Building African American Business Success Together

 

Situated in one of the most densely populated areas of the country, New Jersey is home to some of the most talented, creative and innovative minds of our generation.  Although it is recognized that one of New Jersey's greatest assets is its diversity, the contributions of African Americans to New Jersey's economy are often overlooked, particularly from an economic standpoint, due to assumptions and stereotypes not grounded in facts.

 

However, here are some solid figures to consider:

New Jersey is home to approximately 60,000 African American owned businesses generating over $4.4 billion dollars in annual revenues in services, retail trade, transportation, communication, utilities, and construction industries.¹

 

Among persons 25 years and over, the proportion of African Americans with high school diploma or higher was 88.7% comparing to 92% of whites, as of 2009 - an improvement from 2000's 74.5% African Americans vs. 84.6% whites with such educational attainment.²

Despite these facts, the aggregate and sustained growth of African Americans has not kept pace with other business enterprises in New Jersey.  Therefore, it is critical that AACCNJ serve as the mechanism for communication, program creation, and strategic implementation of resolutions that address economic disparities of African American business enterprises throughout New Jersey.

 

AACCNJ:  "Together We are Stronger"

 

Our mutual goal is to enable African American businesses to compete in New Jersey.  AACCNJ works to ensure that minority and other disadvantaged entrepreneurs are not left behind due to unfair assumptions and a lack of effort to help them achieve success.  Together, we can provide the necessary assistance and support system and instill a sense of pride in the African American business community.