Membership Application Form

Corporate members within the Business Leadership Council’s framework consists of corporations that are invested in supporting our mission of Building the Black Business Ecosystem. Corporate members are also Black professionals who are C-suite level executives for fortune 500 companies or Black business owners and entrepreneurs with an annual revenue greater than $100 million. Corporate members are experienced and are thought leaders within their industries often impacting business and policy trends within Chicago’s thriving business community.

Sustained Leaders within the Business Leadership Council represent accomplished Black business professionals sought after by key decision-makers for their advisory expertise in business, civic, and community initiatives. These individuals are situated in the executive echelons, steering highly successful entrepreneurial or corporate enterprises. Every sustaining leader has a sphere of influence that can be maximized for his or her own business interests, but each has a deep commitment to promoting sustainable corporate leadership and business growth for the Black business community.

Established Members strive to consistently demonstrate their leadership capabilities, adeptly communicate ideas that drive progress, and actively pursue opportunities within corporate or entrepreneurial environments. They harness their skills and expertise to transition into senior-level corporate roles and, as entrepreneurs, to implement business strategies that optimize resources for sustainable business growth.

The Vanguard, inclusive of emerging leaders aged 40 and under, encompasses new or newly establishing business owners, corporate professionals, and institutional representatives who represent the next generation of Black leadership. Vanguard members are committed to excelling and continually striving to enhance their business and professional acumen. Vanguard's aim is to evolve its members into influential business and civic leaders, contributing to the advancement and betterment of the Black community.

Civic Members are linked to the Business Leadership Council through various channels, including governmental agencies, elected positions, community-based non-profit organizations, and institutions such as hospitals and universities, these leaders play a pivotal role. Positioned strategically, they facilitate connections between organizational programs, opportunities, and government initiatives, bridging the gap with business owners and corporate professionals within the Business Leadership Council.