Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc.
The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit founded in 1997 in Peoria, Illinois, supporting Black-owned businesses across the state through tiered memberships, advocacy, corporate sponsorships, annual conventions, and workforce development programs like Scale Up Illinois.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersPeoria, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. does
The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (ILBCC) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1997 by Dr. Larry D. Ivory and headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. It serves Black-owned businesses across Illinois through a multi-tiered membership program (six tiers from $500 Start-Up to $15,000 President Circle), corporate sponsorships ($2,500–$25,000+), donations, and event fees, with self-reported representation of 100,000+ businesses generating $7B+ in claimed economic impact.
Its core offerings include tiered membership benefits (business development, supplier diversity, procurement assistance, VIP access), twelve industry committees (Banking & Financing, Cannabis, Healthcare, IT, International Trade, etc.), and annual flagship events — the 21st Annual Convention (September 9-10, 2026 at Wind Creek Chicago Southland), Lobby Day in Springfield, and a Zimbabwe Trade Mission. The technology stack is intentionally lightweight: the ilbcc.org website, a Member Portal for self-service, Stripe payment processing, and "The Wake Up Show Chicago" radio program distributed via WVON 1690 AM, HeartRadio, and YouTube podcast.
The business model is diversified across recurring membership subscriptions, annual corporate sponsorships, event/convention fees, and tax-related donations, supplemented by a workforce initiative (Scale Up Illinois, powered by a 2023 partnership with remoting.work) and a separately operated political action committee (ILBCC PAC). Revenue concentration sits in mid-to-large corporate sponsors and convention packages, while the member base is broadly distributed across Illinois SMBs. ILBCC is governed by a 19-member board and operates with a small core staff of approximately six full-time roles.
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc.
- Legal name
- Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
- Website
- https://ilbcc.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit founded in 1997 in Peoria, Illinois, supporting Black-owned businesses across the state through tiered memberships, advocacy, corporate sponsorships, annual conventions, and workforce development programs like Scale Up Illinois.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Business Association / Chamber of Commerce Services
- NAICS
- Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (813920)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Racial & Ethnic Justice Organizations (BPAGAFAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)
Keywords
Where Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Peoria
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership fees across six tiers: Start-Up ($500), Business Pro ($1,500), Business Advantage ($2,500), Executive ($5,000), Premier ($10,000), and President Circle ($15,000). Revenue generated from recurring annual membership subscriptions from Black-owned businesses across Illinois.
- Sponsorship: Corporate sponsorship tiers ranging from Bronze ($2,500) to Platinum ($25,000+) on the main sponsorship page. Convention-specific sponsorship packages from Silver ($5,000) to Pioneer Platinum ($50,000). Sponsors receive brand visibility, event access, and networking opportunities.
- Donations: Tax-deductible donations (501(c)(6) organization) with preset amounts ranging from $25 to $1,000+. Donation page enables one-time contributions to support advocacy, data, and access programs.
- Convention and Event Fees: Registration fees for annual conventions and special events including the 21st Annual Convention. Early bird discounts available until specific dates. Event-based revenue from ticket sales, vendor booths, and exhibition spaces.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Start-Up - For new businesses with annual revenues up to $499,999 |
| Subscription | Annual | Business Pro - Most Popular tier for growing businesses |
| Subscription | Annual | Business Advantage - For established businesses seeking growth |
| Subscription | Annual | Executive - For businesses with significant contracting needs |
| Subscription | Annual | Premier - For businesses seeking maximum visibility |
| Subscription | Annual | President Circle - Highest tier for maximum engagement |
| Subscription | Annual | Bronze Sponsorship - Entry-level corporate partnership |
| Subscription | Annual | Silver Sponsorship - Mid-tier partnership with enhanced visibility |
| Subscription | Annual | Gold Sponsorship - Premium partnership level |
| Subscription | Annual | Platinum Sponsorship - Top-tier partnership |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Silver Convention Sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Gold Convention Sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Platinum Convention Sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Premier Convention Sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Crystal Convention Sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Pioneer Platinum Convention Sponsorship - Highest tier convention package |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Donation levels |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ILBCC is a nonprofit chamber of commerce that sells tiered annual memberships to Black-owned businesses in Illinois, ranging from $500 (Start-Up) to $15,000 (President Circle). Members receive advocacy representation, networking events, business development workshops, supplier diversity support, contract procurement assistance, and access to the Scale Up Illinois workforce program. The organization supplements membership revenue with corporate sponsorships, annual convention fees, donations, and radio programming through the Wake Up Show Chicago on WVON 1690 AM.
Product overview
ILBCC operates as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit chamber of commerce offering a unified portfolio of membership-based programs and events. The core offering is the multi-tiered Membership Programs (Start-Up through President Circle) providing business development, networking, advocacy, and procurement access. This is supplemented by the Scale Up Illinois workforce initiative, the Wake Up Show Chicago radio program, a Member Portal platform, and annual events including the 21st Annual Convention, Lobby Day, and Zimbabwe Trade Mission. Corporate engagement is facilitated through Chamber Sponsorship and Convention Sponsorship packages. The organization also operates the ILBCC PAC for political advocacy. The portfolio centers on economic advancement of Black business in Illinois through 100,000+ member representation and $7B+ economic impact.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Wake Up Show Chicago: Weekly radio show broadcast on WVON 1690 AM, HeartRadio and YouTube Podcast, Saturdays 9-10 AM CST, dedicated to empowering and amplifying Black-owned businesses and resources.
- ILBCC PAC
- Scale Up Illinois
Products and services
- ILBCC Membership Programs Multi-tiered annual membership program for Black-owned businesses in Illinois with six tiers (Start-Up $500, Business Pro $1,500, Business Advantage $2,500, Executive $5,000, Premier $10,000, President Circle $15,000) offering progressively richer benefits including advocacy representation, networking, supplier diversity opportunities, contract procurement assistance, event visibility, VIP access, and quarterly executive meetings.
- Chamber Corporate Sponsorship Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 100,000+ businesses represented across Illinois
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc.
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered featured, core and minor.
- remoting.workfeaturedPartnership providing ILBCC members access to vetted, full-time/fractional employees from global talent pools at starting rates of $6/hour. Addresses hiring cost barriers preventing Black-owned businesses from growing. Includes Employer of Record coverage and single-platform management for hires.
- Joseph Business SchoolfeaturedAccredited institution partnership equipping entrepreneurs with 20+ years of programs in business and wealth creation. Joint mission to eradicate generational poverty through knowledge. ACCET Nationally Accredited institution providing skills that turn opportunity into long-term success.
- U.S. Chamber of CommercecoreILBCC is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, providing credibility and national-level representation for Black business interests.
- National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)coreDr. Larry D. Ivory is a founding member and past Chairman of NBCC, which represents over 2 million Black-owned businesses. ILBCC has affiliate connections in countries across the Americas, Europe, and Africa.
- Wind Creek Chicago SouthlandminorHost venue for the 21st Annual Convention on September 9-10, 2026 in East Hazel Crest, Illinois.
- AetnaminorCorporate sponsor supporting ILBCC events and initiatives.
- Allwyn North AmericaminorCorporate sponsor supporting ILBCC events and initiatives.
- Ameren IllinoisminorCorporate sponsor and partner, with representative Brian Leonard serving as Sr. Director Government Affairs and providing testimonial on partnership value.
- AT&TminorCorporate sponsor supporting ILBCC events and initiatives.
- Ardmore RoderickminorCorporate sponsor and construction/engineering firm past sponsor.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of IllinoisminorCorporate sponsor supporting ILBCC events and initiatives.
- International Chamber of CommerceminorILBCC works with the International Chamber of Commerce to expand member reach on the global stage.
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic OpportunitycoreGovernment partner referenced in joint report on Illinois Statewide Black Business Survey (2023) alongside Chicago State University and Chicago Urban League.
- Chicago State UniversitycoreAcademic partner in joint Illinois Statewide Black Business Survey (2023) documenting 180,000+ Black-owned firms in Illinois.
- Chicago Urban LeaguecoreCommunity partner in joint Illinois Statewide Black Business Survey (2023).
- Flowers Communications GroupminorPR/marketing firm sponsor with testimonial from CEO Michelle Flowers Welch noting chamber's impact on opening doors to private clients and state agencies.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): Federal agency dedicated to promoting minority business growth and access to capital and contracts; a primary funder and coordinator in the same ecosystem ILBCC serves, though operating as a government entity.
- National Urban League: National civil rights and urban advocacy organization with extensive economic empowerment programming for Black entrepreneurs and communities; broader portfolio but overlapping mission and constituency.
Others
- Joseph Business School: ACCET-accredited business and wealth-creation education institution and a formal ILBCC strategic partner; shares ILBCC's mission of Black economic empowerment and offers comparable programming on a fee-for-education basis.
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): National nonprofit providing free mentorship and education to small businesses, including minority-owned firms; overlapping target audience and educational programming but operating as a volunteer-driven mentorship network rather than a membership chamber.
Direct peers
- U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. National Black chamber organization advocating for African American businesses and entrepreneurs; operates through affiliated local and state chambers with a model highly comparable to ILBCC's.
- National Black Chamber of Commerce: National-level federation of Black chambers of commerce representing2M+ Black-owned businesses. ILBCC's founder is a founding member and past Chairman; this is the most direct peer at the national scale.
- Chicago Urban League: Regional nonprofit serving the Black community in Chicago/Illinois with economic empowerment programming; co-partnered with ILBCC on the 2023 Illinois Statewide Black Business Survey, indicating direct operational overlap.
Regional players
- Greater Peoria Chamber of Commerce: General-purpose local chamber based in ILBCC's home city; comparable membership/sponsorship model and geographic footprint but not specifically focused on minority business advocacy.
- Chicago Metro Regional Chamber of Commerce (CMRC): Regional business chamber serving the Chicago metro area with similar membership tiers, sponsorship programs, and advocacy focus, but without ILBCC's minority-business-specific positioning.
- Georgia Minority Business Development Council: State-level minority chamber equivalent serving Black and minority-owned businesses in Georgia; comparable structure, mission, and revenue model (membership + corporate sponsorships) but operating in a different state.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. social profiles
Digital presenceIllinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc.
What does Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. do?
ILBCC is a nonprofit chamber of commerce that sells tiered annual memberships to Black-owned businesses in Illinois, ranging from $500 (Start-Up) to $15,000 (President Circle). Members receive advocacy representation, networking events, business development workshops, supplier diversity support, contract procurement assistance, and access to the Scale Up Illinois workforce program. The organization supplements membership revenue with corporate sponsorships, annual convention fees, donations, and radio programming through the Wake Up Show Chicago on WVON 1690 AM.
Is Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. a public or private company?
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. founded?
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. was founded in 1997. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. based?
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. is headquartered in Peoria, United States, in the North America region.
How does Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are sponsorship, donations and convention and Event Fees.
Who are Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc.'s main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and National Urban League. Others are Joseph Business School and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Direct peers are U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., National Black Chamber of Commerce and Chicago Urban League. Regional players are Greater Peoria Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Metro Regional Chamber of Commerce (CMRC) and Georgia Minority Business Development Council.
Does Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. have an API?
No public API is recorded for Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc..
What industry is Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc. in?
Illinois State Black Chamber Of Commerce, Inc.'s product category is Business Association / Chamber of Commerce Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAFAC, Racial & Ethnic Justice Organizations, with a secondary code of THAHACAA, Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies). Its NAICS code is 813910 and its SIC code is 8600.