August is National Black Business Month, and we’re giving you a new way to show support and take action.


Download our Black Business Discovery Card, a curated list of local Black-owned businesses making an impact in Central Virginia.


Click the “Discovery Card” button to start exploring. Use the document to track the businesses you visit, connect with, or learn more about. Whether you’re booking services, shopping local, or spreading the word, every action supports our community’s growth.


Snap a photo, share your experience, and spread the word!

Don’t forget to tag us and shout out each business on social media and in conversation using #CVAACCDiscoverBlackBiz.

DISCOVERY CARD

FALL 2026

BLACK BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM


IMPACTING 225+ BUSINESS OWNERS


ARE YOU READY TO SCALE TO YOUR NEXT LEVEL?


Learn more and apply


The Black Business Accelerator Program goal is to help propel African American businesses to a level in which they can compete and perform equally with majority businesses that have stronger roots and relationships. We support this goal with a 3 month course that covers 6 sessions with industry leaders in the areas of accessing capital, organizational development, human resources, branding, and growing digitally.


The Black Business Accelerator Program receives sponsorship from Henrico Economic Development, Chesterfield Economic Development, and the Virginia State University Center for Entrepreneurship, enabling us to offer a low tuition fee of $300 for the full course. Participants in the program have the choice to pay the tuition in full or opt for a two-payment plan, with the full payment due before the course's first day.


The program offers both virtual and in-person options. In-person classes are conducted at 6802 Paragon Place, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Richmond, VA. Virtual students will receive information during the course to join. The course consists of six sessions held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on the following dates. Applicants should ensure their availability for these dates before applying:


FALL 2026 DATES

  • September 9
  • September 23
  • October 7
  • October 21
  • November 4
  • November 18

ENTREPRENEURIAL BOOT CAMP


Program: Entrepreneurial Boot Camp: Developing Your Business Pitch

Cost: Free (Registration Required)

Registration Link: Sign Up via Pamunkey Regional Library LibCal (Seats are limited to ensure personalized feedback for every participant)

Date: September 2, 2026

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: Ashland Library


Ready to pitch your business with clarity and confidence?


Whether you are prepping for a formal competition or simply trying to answer "So, what do you do?" at your next networking event, crafting a clear pitch shouldn't feel overwhelming.

Join Dorian Cunion, Executive Coach at Your Path Coaching & Consulting, for a hands-on, 60-minute interactive workshop as part of the Entrepreneurial Boot Camp. This session is presented in partnership with the Central Virginia African American Chamber, Pamunkey Regional Library, and the Downtown Ashland Association.


What you will get:

  • Small-Group Practice: Direct, personalized feedback in an approachable, supportive environment.
  • Simple, Step-by-Step Frameworks: Break down your pitch using clear formulas and practical business models.
  • Actionable Takeaways: Walk away with a refined 30-second introduction and a pitch deck structure you can use immediately.


"Attended a pitch workshop run by Your Path Coaching & Consulting, and I was absolutely delighted... very knowledgeable, personable, and easy to follow!" — Past Workshop Attendee.


Click to Register

BUSINESS NETWORKING AFTER HOURS


CONNECT • NETWORK • BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM


Location: Live! Casino & Hotel Petersburg


301 Wagner Rd


Petersburg, VA 23805


Members: Free

Non-Members: $20 Donation is Welcome


Join the Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking, conversation, and new connections at our September Business After Hours!


Connect with business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders from across Central Virginia in a relaxed after-hours atmosphere.


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL PETERSBURG


YOUR EVENING INCLUDES


Two Complimentary Drink Tickets Per Person


Food will be available on-site for purchase.


COME READY TO CONNECT!


Bring your business cards and your best introduction!


RSVP TODAY


Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.


Attendees:

  • Must 21 years of age or older
  • Must present a valid government issued ID upon entry to the casino
  • Must not be barred from the casino and must not be enrolled in the VA Lottery self-exclusion Program
     
    Click to Register

PLEASE NOTE: The Chamber offers a SYNDICATED CALENDAR system that can host all events for the community. Request calendar code from the Chamber for your own website. Will show only your events on your website, but all events are automatically added to the official calendar and mobile applications for our region.