13. Catalyst for creating opportunities for Black businesses

The Business Leadership Council works to help grow Black businesses in Chicago. The organization has 170 members representing more than 25 industries from construction and financial services to legal services and information technology, Chicago Business reported.

“Ultimately the takeaway is to create real business opportunities,” said Cory Thames, chief engagement officer. “What you are seeing now are more Black firms that are willing to partner with each other and do strategic alliances so that they can be competitive in the marketplace and go toe-to-toe with your well-known primes.”

Photo: George Ellis Johnson Sr. founded Johnson Products Company in Chicago, creating products such as Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen, https://aaregistry.org/story/george-e-johnson-was-a-natural-businessman/