National Black business conference offers training and supplier opportunities for entrepreneurs

Black business owners and entrepreneurs interested in artificial intelligence, corporate contracting, access to capital and growing their businesses will have an opportunity to connect with national resources during the 2026 U.S. Black Chambers National Conference & School of Chamber Management.

The conference will be held Oct. 7-9 at the USBC Innovation Campus in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme is “Blackprint to Build: Strengthening Chambers, Scaling Businesses.”

While the gathering brings together Black chamber leaders and businesses from across the country, several sessions could be particularly useful for Evansville-area entrepreneurs looking for practical ways to strengthen and expand their businesses.

AI tools for small businesses

Google will present a “Make AI Work for You” workshop focused on helping small business owners find practical uses for artificial intelligence.

The session will include hands-on experience with Google AI tools and examples of how entrepreneurs can use AI to address common business challenges. Jasmine Shells, founder of 312 Labs and a Grow with Google coach, will facilitate the workshop.

The training is part of a growing slate of programs aimed at helping small businesses understand how emerging technology can be applied to everyday business operations and growth.

Verizon programs connect businesses to resources

Another session will introduce entrepreneurs to Verizon’s Small Business Supplier Accelerator and Small Business Digital Ready programs.

Participants will learn about educational modules, coaching, grant opportunities and business networks available through the programs. The workshop will also address the operational and financial capabilities businesses need when pursuing potential opportunities with Verizon and other large corporations.

That makes the session particularly relevant for entrepreneurs interested in moving beyond starting a business toward becoming ready for corporate contracts and supplier opportunities.

Our Times recently highlighted another U.S. Black Chambers opportunity connected to Verizon’s small-business network: the Sept. 24 USBC AI Lab, a virtual workshop designed to help entrepreneurs use AI tools to improve their businesses.

Together, the opportunities point to a larger benefit of staying connected to Black business networks beyond a single event. Those networks can provide entrepreneurs with information about training, grants, contracting opportunities and other resources throughout the year.

Access to capital, retail and business growth

The three-day conference will also include programming on access to capital, funding readiness, business infrastructure and preparing companies for retail and corporate opportunities.

Scheduled sessions include an industry roundtable presented by Bank of America and a workshop on building a retail-ready business presented by Walmart.

The conference also brings business owners together with Black chamber leaders, lenders, community development financial institutions, corporations and other organizations involved in economic development.

U.S. Black Chambers President and CEO Ron Busby Sr. is scheduled to deliver a State of Black Business address examining challenges and opportunities affecting Black entrepreneurship and USBC’s economic agenda.

Separate School of Chamber Management sessions will focus on chamber governance, fundraising, membership growth and strategic planning.

Registration details

The 2026 USBC National Conference & School of Chamber Management runs Oct. 7-9 at the USBC Innovation Campus in Washington, D.C.

General conference admission includes access to mainstage sessions, business roundtables, the School of Chamber Management, evening receptions and Chamber Advocacy & Hill Day.

Tickets are $375 at the early-bird rate, $350 for USBC members and $475 at the standard rate. All ticket purchases are non-refundable.

The conference is geared toward business owners and entrepreneurs, chamber leaders, lenders, business-support organizations and others working in economic development.

Register for the 2026 USBC National Conference & School of Chamber Management