Building Black Businesses Since 1933
Nearly a century of empowing entrepreneurs, strengthening communities, and advancing economic opportunity across Chicago and beyond.
1933 - a legacy of economic empowerment
Since 1933, the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce has stood as a champion for entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and community advancement.
As one of the nation’s oldest multicultural trade associations, the Chamber was founded during a time when minority-owned businesses faced significant barriers to growth, access to capital, and economic opportunity. Yet, even in those challenging times, leaders understood that strong businesses mold strong communities.
The Chamber traces its roots to the Chicago Chapter of the National Negro Chamber of Commerce, founded by Booker T. Washington, and continues the legacy of economic empowerment today.
For more than 90 years, the Cosmopolitan Chamber has connected entrepreneurs, professionals, educators, government leaders, and community advocates around a shared mission: creating opportunities for businesses to succeed.
A Timeline of Impact
1933
Founded as One of America's Oldest Multicultural Trade Associations
1937
Expanded its Mission to Strengthen Minority - Owned Businesses and Entreprenuers
Mid Century
Provided Education, Counseling, Technical Assistance, and Networking Ppportunities
Legacy Businesses
Helped support companies that became household names Among them are iconic companies such as Johnson Publishing Company
Today
Continuing to create opportunity through advocacy, education, partnerships and innovation
Businesses that shaped history
Johnson Publishing Company
Publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines, and Soft Sheen Hair Products –
Johnson Products Company
One of the first Black owned companies listed on a major U.S. Stock exchange
Soft Sheen
A leader in black hair care that grew into an internationally recognized brand.
1933 - Founded as One of America's Oldest Multicultural Trade Associations
Throughout its history, the Chamber has provided business training, entrepreneurial education, counseling, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships that have provided aid for businesses to start, grow, and succeed.
Many notable African American and minority-owned businesses trace their early development and growth to programs, resources, and relationships cultivated through the Chamber.
Among them are iconic companies such as Johnson Publishing Company, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines, and Soft Sheen Hair Products – brands that helped not only our culture but Black business excellence and representation across the nation.