History

The African Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic development of African immigrants in Minnesota. The organization was originally established in 2000 as the African Credit Education and Financial Counseling Agency. The organization was a pioneer in financial literacy education, and has been providing direct services to businesses, entrepreneurs and families over the past seven years. Throughout the organization’s history, its leadership has been dedicated to responding to the needs of the community. In 2007, responding to both internal and external factors, the organization was restructured as the African Chamber of Commerce. Over the past several months the organization’s leadership has conducted a thorough planning process to define a new structure for serving the community.

Although the African Chamber of Commerce has undergone some important changes, including a new name, a new service delivery structure, and new plans for enhanced community collaboration, some important things have not changed. We continue to maintain our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and we remain focused on economic development for businesses and families. The new service delivery structure integrates the strengths and opportunities of both the chamber of commerce model and the direct service model. This unique structure maintains a focus on serving the community; offers a mechanism for large scale advocacy, education, and partnerships; and creates new revenue sources that support enhanced sustainability.

Mission:

To accelerate the development of African immigrant businesses, entrepreneurs, and families so that they may thrive within American economic and social systems.

The ACC accomplishes it mission by providing tools, resources, and training that support a better understanding of American systems and the development of knowledge and skills that accelerate economic success.
Vision: The vision of the ACC is to be a dynamic, innovative leader for the economic development and success of African immigrants in Minnesota and throughout the country.

Values:

We believe in . . .

• Asset development and sustainability

• Empowerment and action

• Honoring and increasing understanding of African culture, traditions, and values

• Youth mentoring

• High quality and excellence

• Strong, mutually beneficial partnerships

Strategic Focus Statement: From 2008 through 2010, the African Chamber of Commerce will place emphasis on building the capacity of African immigrants in Minnesota with two primary goals:

1) Promote cross-understanding and successful interaction between African communities and mainstream social and economic systems, and

2) Increase the economic stability and success of businesses and families.