At Sac Summit, California African American Chamber of Commerce Shows Growing Clout; Lays Out Top Goals

February 4, 2026

The California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) hosted its third annual California American Economy Summit in Sacramento on January 28, bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business leaders under the theme "Driving Equity Through Economic Innovation. " The event, organized by CAACC President Ahmad Holmes and attended by state officials including Controller Malia Cohen and Treasurer Fiona Ma, focused on expanding economic opportunities for Black-owned businesses through discussions on artificial intelligence, state contracting, and access to capital. The summit emphasized collaboration between CAACC and other minority business chambers across California to create unified advocacy for historically underfunded communities.

Who is affected

African American businesses and entrepreneurs in California
CAACC members and leadership, including President Ahmad Holmes, Chairperson Patricia Watts, and board members Vic Baker and Derek Smith
Historically underfunded and underserved communities across California
State officials: Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Controller Malia Cohen, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma
Members of the Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
Award recipients: Toks Omishakin, Danetta Jackson, and Dusty Baker
Small businesses seeking state contracting opportunities and capital access

What action is being taken

CAACC is gathering and sharing information with member chambers across the state
The organization is expanding its membership and raising its profile
CAACC is executing a strategic plan to reach every region of California
The State Controller's Office is working to help small businesses access state resources and unclaimed property dollars
State-level initiatives are being implemented to expand access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs
CAACC is functioning in a unified coalition with Asian Pacific and Hispanic chambers to drive collective growth

Why it matters

This summit matters because it addresses long-standing economic inequities facing Black-owned businesses in California by creating a unified platform for policy advocacy and resource sharing. The gathering brings together critical stakeholders—entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders—to collaborate on expanding access to capital, state contracting opportunities, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence for historically underfunded communities. By forming coalitions with other minority business chambers and establishing a strong statewide presence, CAACC is creating a powerful collective voice that can influence policy decisions and drive meaningful economic change across California's diverse regions. The event represents a shift toward coordinated action and leadership in supporting Black business growth and wealth creation throughout the state.

What's next

CAACC plans to bring future summits and conferences to San Diego, the Central Coast, and the Central Valley
The organization will continue expanding its reach to every region of California
CAACC will continue its strategic plan execution under current leadership

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint