Michelle Green-Ford, President & CEO, Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce

In an interview with Invest:,  Michelle Green-Ford, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, discussed key milestones over the past year and the landscape for Black-owned businesses. “In the realm of Black-owned businesses, the current scenario presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges,” she said.

What have been the key milestones or achievements for the chamber in the last year?

This last year has been an incredible one for the chamber. We’ve been able to increase our membership from 400 to 720 members over the last two years. But the most important thing is that we’re still seeing a steady demand for individuals who want to be in our chamber and who see real value in being a member. In addition to that, we’ve also expanded our corporate partnerships. That’s important because they partner with us to assist us with economic development, business development and access to capital. We’ve seen that number increase from about 17 partners initially to over 45 partners. 

We had our recent annual meeting luncheon at the Fort Worth Convention Center. A big milestone for us because we had more than 800 attendees come out and celebrate the successes of the chamber, and we had a chance to award scholarships. We partnered with TCU to give scholarships to MBA students. We’re focused on our business, but we’re also focused on being a good community partner and giving back. 

How do you perceive the current economic and business development landscape for Black-owned businesses in Fort Worth

In the realm of Black-owned businesses, the current scenario presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. The Dallas-Fort Worth area offers promising prospects, particularly in the construction sector, with numerous projects underway across the metroplex. Additionally, disciplines such as IT and education are experiencing growth, fueled partly by the expansion of Texas A&M University and other entities within the city. Our primary focus lies in aligning these opportunities with the needs of the Black community. To achieve this, we prioritize effective communication, ensuring that individuals are well-informed about available opportunities. Furthermore, we emphasize education, providing guidance on the requirements and certifications necessary to capitalize on these opportunities.

While there are undoubtedly needs within the Black community, there are also ample opportunities to tap into. Our mission is to swiftly work toward bridging the gap between these opportunities and the needs we observe, ultimately empowering individuals to seize these prospects and drive positive change within the community.

What progress has been made in understanding your market?

We’ve made great progress. When we started, we were trying to figure out what was needed. The first thing we did was start assessing members. To make progress, we had to have the right data. We did surveys with our membership. We did research on our members about who they are, what they need, and what type of businesses they have.

For example, we know that about 40% of our businesses are micro in that they employ between one and 10 employees. But we do have medium-sized and large businesses. We started to assess who they were and asked them what they needed, instead of assuming. 

After conducting an assessment, we have begun developing programs based on our findings. A notable success in this area was our partnership with Prosperity Bank. It approached us with its master class program and expressed a desire to collaborate. The chamber has undertaken efforts to improve education and capital access for its members; we want to be part of the solution. In collaboration with Prosperity Bank, we have created a six-module master class series called the Fort Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce Master Class. Each three-hour session is held on alternate Saturdays, requiring a significant commitment from participating business owners.

The master class covers topics such as business structure, legal entities like LLCs, financial management, and funding options beyond small-business loans, including grants and lines of credit. Additionally, there are sessions on marketing, with a particular focus on social media marketing. This program provides valuable assistance to small businesses that excel in their specific trade but may lack formal training in areas like social media marketing or technical assistance related to business operations.

What is the program doing in terms of providing businesses with access to capital?

Within our community, one of the challenges is mistrust in banking institutions. We aim to foster relationships between business owners and bankers through a six-week course. Bankers engage with participants weekly, building familiarity and trust. This program is significant because it provides participants with the opportunity to work with a mentor from the chamber or chamber partners. This mentor guides participants through the process of developing their pitches, financials and marketing strategies. The bank has invested funds and offers a matching process for individuals who complete the entire course. This $2,500 credit is based on the participant’s progress and commitment, not their credit score. Additionally, the bank matches savings up to $500, promoting a culture of saving and sound financial practices.

The program concludes with a pitch competition, where participants can win cash prizes. This adds an element of excitement and healthy competition. The chamber’s partnership with this program includes providing mentorship to each participant. This ensures that participants have access to guidance, support and networking opportunities throughout the program. Our goal is to create an ecosystem where small-business owners feel supported and connected. We want to provide them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed.

How has the women’s division evolved, and what are your priorities and initiatives?

In 2024, our organization launched a transformative initiative for women entitled New Year, New You. This conference aimed to focus on personal growth and empowerment in three aspects: mind, body, and business. We discovered a crucial element that had been overlooked in our previous business-centric approach. While encouraging certification, marketing, and productivity, we neglected to address the underlying hindrances that hold women back from achieving their full potential. These hindrances often stem from mental health challenges and the overwhelming responsibilities that women carry in society, including caring for children, spouses and extended family.

Recognizing the vital role of physical well-being in sustaining business success, we hosted fitness experts who provided practical advice on maintaining physical health while navigating the demands of entrepreneurship. To complement this holistic approach, Chase Bank, a key partner organization, offered financial literacy workshops led by one of our board members who holds a prominent role within the bank. These engaging sessions provided valuable insights into budgeting, money management, and sustainable financial practices.

What is your outlook for the chamber for the next two to three years?

As I look ahead, I’m filled with excitement. The past two years in my role have been dedicated to building a solid foundation for the chamber, and I’m thrilled to report that we’ve accomplished that. Our vision is clear, our focus is on our members, and we’re expanding our reach. Beyond business development, we plan to take a proactive approach to workforce development. This aligns directly with our business development efforts, and we believe it’s crucial to address the workforce needs of our community. You’ll see us actively involved in projects that introduce entrepreneurship to students as early as elementary school, for example. We want to expose them to the idea that they can become business owners, fostering a sense of ownership and ambition from a young age. 

Leadership development will be another key focus for us, particularly in the context of workforce upskilling and asset building. We’re committed to helping individuals transition from their current occupations into entrepreneurship, empowering them to leverage their skills and experience in new and innovative ways.