ABOUT US
Founded in 1935 as the city’s first black civic organization, the GHBC has evolved into an active participant in the City of Houston’s socioeconomic process. We look with excitement to the future and invite you to be a part of the growth and innovation in the nation’s fourth largest metropolitan city.
The organization is a 501(c)(6), not-for-profit, private, member-driven organization that serves the Greater Houston Area.
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, located in a culturally diverse metropolitan region of 5.3 million residents – and growing at more than twice the national pace. African Americans constitute 25 percent of the population.
The GHBC is the “go-to” organization for business development and community outreach partnership opportunities in the Houston African-American community. The GHBC is dedicated to supporting African-American small businesses in the areas of education, certification, and accessing contracting opportunities and capital.
We are Houston’s premier source for identifying quality and qualified African-American, multi-sectored small businesses to do business with. With a database of over 2,000 unique resources, the GHBC assists its partners and members in navigating Houston’s large, diverse population, industries, and the many nuances, that are unique to our city.
The Chamber has earned Houston’s trust and has built solid alliances with Port of Houston Authority, Houston First, Shell, CenterPoint Energy, Reliant Energy, United Healthcare, University of Houston, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Initiative, Greater Houston
Partnership, Rice University, Houston Community College System, Texas Southern University, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council and other organizations to ensure it is providing accessible resources to its members and the business community.
Partnering with the GHBC is synonymous with having access to potential new customers, and quality small business resources and demonstrates a care for doing business with the African-American community.
Volunteer
The spirit of volunteerism is very much alive in the GHBC. We welcome those who want to connect, mentor, and inspire other business owners.
Vision
The GHBC is the “go-to” organization for business development and community outreach partnership opportunities in the Houston Black community.
Values
The GHBC is dedicated to supporting Black small businesses in the areas of education, certification, and accessing contracting opportunities & capital.
HISTORY
The Greater Houston Black Chamber Was Founded In 1935. We Are The Second Oldest Black Chamber Of Commerce In The Nation.
In September 1935, several prominent community leaders organized the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce (HNCC) to empower and promote African-American businesses in the city. The office was housed inside the black-owned Pilgrim Temple building from 1935 until moving in 1963 to 2808 Wheeler Ave.
The HNCC sought to promote the civic, economic, industrial agricultural, and social welfare of Houston residents; encourage a larger patronage of black
enterprises and practical education in the trades and arts to stimulate better business; and develop a more amicable relationship between racial groups.
The organization also encouraged residents to pay their poll taxes in order to become eligible to vote, promoted fair housing and employment practices, contributed to international commerce, and held contests, better business forums, and banquets to motivate the African-American community. During World War II, their office served as a rations headquarters. A Junior Chamber was organized in 1942. The chamber also provided platforms for national leaders and partnered with government programs.
In 1964, under the leadership of Mack H. Hannah, Jr., the chamber changed its name to the Houston Citizens Chamber Of Commerce (HCCC). As the Chamber membership evolved, in 2013 the chamber rebranded its look and name to the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (GHBC).
Women have been actively involved in the HNCC since its formation and held offices as early as 1957. In 2014, GHBC appointed Vernita B. Harris as its first female Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Today, the GHBC continues to represent the interests of and promote greater unity among the African-American
business community. Holding true to our mission to both secure and retain a broad and diverse base of members that
reflect the culture of the Greater Houston community and provide financial and volunteer
resources to implement the Chamber’s initiatives.
BUSINESSES THRIVE IN COMMUNITY. JOIN US AND GROW TOGETHER.
Join the GHBC community, where hundreds of diverse Black business owners connect, collaborate, and thrive in Houston's innovative market.