ADVOCATING FOR YOU
Championing Policy that Strengthens Black Business in Virginia
Each year, the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce brings together business leaders, community advocates, and policymakers to advance public policy that expands opportunity and economic growth for Black-owned businesses across the Commonwealth.
Our Government Affairs Committee serves as a platform for education, engagement, and influence, offering attendees direct access to state legislators, insight into the legislative process, and opportunities to shape policies that impact Virginia’s business environment.
Advocacy & Legislative Priorities
Small Business Access and SWaM Equity
Strengthening procurement opportunities, increasing accountability, and expanding access to state and local contracting for Black-owned businesses.
Workforce Development and Talent Pipelines
Supporting policies that expand apprenticeships, credentialing, and workforce training aligned with the needs of small businesses and emerging industries.
Housing and Economic Stability
Advancing housing policies that support affordability and community stability, recognizing the connection between stable households and a strong business climate.
Access to Capital and Business Financing
Advocating for fair, equitable access to capital, credit, and public and private funding that enable small businesses to start, scale, sustain operations, and build long-term financial stability.
Entrepreneurship and Business Growth Infrastructure
Supporting investments in technical assistance, business accelerators, innovation hubs, and regional economic ecosystems that help businesses grow.
Government Contracting and Supplier Diversity
Expanding supplier diversity initiatives, transparency, and enforcement to ensure Black-owned businesses can compete and thrive in public and private sector contracting.
The Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce plays a critical role in advancing the Chamber’s advocacy efforts and legislative priorities. Comprised of Chamber members and community leaders from across the Commonwealth, the committee works to ensure that the voices of Black-owned businesses are heard in policy discussions at the local, regional, and state levels.
Committee members support the Chamber by monitoring legislation, participating in policy discussions, engaging with elected officials, and helping shape the Chamber’s advocacy agenda during the Virginia General Assembly session. The committee also assists with planning and executing key initiatives such as Legislative Day, policy briefings, and member education related to public policy and government affairs.
Participation on the Legislative Committee offers members a meaningful opportunity to contribute their expertise, stay informed on legislative issues impacting businesses, and play an active role in shaping policies that affect economic equity and opportunity.
Chamber members interested in joining the Legislative Committee or learning more about its work are encouraged to contact us at info@vablackchamber.org.
Nick Minor
Stack Infrastructure
Dominique Speller
Community Rep
Shelita Winfield
Stack Infrastructure
Ebony Wilkins
Stack Infrastructure
Kim Taylor-Wilson
Ebony Wilkins
Vacant
TBD
Noah Salaah ad-Deen
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Darius Dickens
Stack Infrastructure
Vacant
TBD
Nonpartisan Commitment
The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce is a nonpartisan organization. We do not endorse political parties or candidates for office. Our advocacy efforts are focused solely on advancing policies that support Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and the communities they serve.
We work collaboratively with elected officials and policymakers across the political spectrum to promote economic opportunity, equity, and access for our members. Our positions are guided by the needs of the business community and the impact of public policy, not by partisan affiliation.
By remaining nonpartisan, the Chamber ensures that our advocacy is inclusive, issue-driven, and centered on fostering a strong and equitable business environment for all.