Melvin Coleman, CEO, Atlanta Black Chambers

Melvin Coleman, CEO of Atlanta Black Chambers, spoke with Invest: about how they educate and support Black-owned businesses in the growing and diverse Atlanta economy. “The disparities and data show we have a long way to go, so we should be working together to improve the overall landscape for all people.”

What are the most significant milestones and achievements for the chamber over the last 12 months?

Founded in 2005, we are proud to be celebrating our 20-year anniversary. We were awarded Chamber of the Year in July 2024 by the U.S. Black Chambers headquarters in Washington, D.C. We are in a great place as an organization and being recognized for our hard work and what we’ve built over the past 20 years. Our membership is still growing at an accelerated pace. In January 2025, we had over 50 new businesses join, the biggest month in our history.

How do you view the current entrepreneurship landscape in Atlanta, and what trends are you seeing among Black entrepreneurs?

Atlanta is a central hub of opportunity for Black entrepreneurs because of Atlanta’s history. The environment here fosters growth for Black and other minority businesses, because that’s how the city operates. However, Atlanta is not the world. Once you step beyond Atlanta, things can look quite different. With all of the changes happening in the world, things are becoming more challenging than ever before. We have to stay focused and state our case to the decision makers so they understand where and how we need support. The disparities and data show we have a long way to go, so we should be working together to improve the overall landscape for all people. 

What industries and sectors are seeing the most growth and demand?

We are diverse in the industries that are represented in our communities. We consistently see growth in the professional service areas, particularly for real estate brokers and attorneys. Growth is evident across multiple sectors, including healthcare-related professions. Atlanta is a technology hub, offering many opportunities in the metro area because of the corporations here and what their needs are.

How do you see the business community and government engagement intersecting in the Atlanta market?

These areas are interrelated and we have to engage in the business arena while maintaining relationships with the government to move forward with our goals. These connections provide essential support, as they involve the people who can make key decisions. To benefit the community, we have to understand what the community needs and who the key people in the community are. These are the core elements to form a presence in these sectors and execute successfully.

What key issues are the chamber working on?

Access to capital is possibly the biggest challenge. We ensure our members and the broader community are aware of financing options beyond traditional banking processes. Members need to understand alternative options that may better suit their needs. CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions), for example, offer alternative funding, in addition to available grants. The SBA (Small Business Administration) also provides support. It all comes down to financial intelligence and knowing all of your options. If you are only aware of two possibilities instead of the full range, your chances of success diminish.

How do you view the current economic landscape, and how might it affect Black-owned businesses in Atlanta?

It has long been said that when America catches a cold, Black America gets the flu. If things are not going well in the economy, it means things are worse in the Black community. Current economic shifts are impacting the economy, and the future outlook isn’t as good. It rolls down and is amplified in already challenged communities. When consumer behavior changes and people are not ready to purchase, the impact is felt even more.

How is the chamber helping Black-owned businesses expand into national and global opportunities?

One of our differentiators as an organization is a focus on global opportunities. Over the past three years, we have built relationships across Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the United Kingdom, and Europe. We have had trade delegations over the past few years that have allowed us to connect with international entrepreneurs. Our members are traveling to the U.K. and Europe to establish relationships. We facilitate B2B matchmaking, where we are bringing entrepreneurs in different parts of the world together virtually for real discussions on synergies and partnering opportunities. These connections are being built in a powerful way.

What key skills and training programs are critical for professionals to thrive in today’s market?

We are developing a workforce development program starting with soft skills, particularly for younger members in the community to develop employable skills in communication and professionalism. We often take professional skills such as communication for granted, but they are crucial. We are launching our program later this year, targeting young professionals to help them prepare for the workforce. From a bigger picture perspective, we are addressing technology. The electric vehicle market is growing in Georgia, with Hyundai already established and Rivian on the way. These companies require specialized skills for their workforce, and getting involved in the training and development in that industry is a huge opportunity for workforce development. We are following the demand.

What are the Chamber’s top priorities over the next few years, and what impact do you hope to make in the business community?

One of our primary focus areas is contract opportunities for our members. Between the federal government procurement and corporate opportunities, billions of dollars are being spent. They are looking for and giving business to smaller businesses to provide and supply what they need. The percentage of contracts awarded to Black-owned businesses is very low, currently less than 3%. If we are able to raise that to 5% — which is still inadequate — it would translate to billions of dollars in opportunity for a community that lacks sufficient access. Our priority is preparing our businesses and advocating for them to get more opportunities with the local, state, and federal government. The representation gap must be addressed.