Chatham Business Association, SBDI

In the heart of Chicago’s South Side, organizations like the Chatham Business Association aren’t just supporting business owners—they’re Sustaining Communities by Building One Business at a Time.

The mission of the Chatham Business Association Small Business Development Inc (CBA) is to provide a viable and effective business association to enhance social, political, and economic growth within our community.  CBA creates opportunities, inroads and programs to benefit and ensure the prosperity, economic strength and excellence of service in Chatham and its surrounding communities.

Inspired by Growth, Pride and Support, prevalent in Chatham, several local businessmen formed the Chatham Business Association in 1972 in order to satisfy the Community’s desire to invest in, nurture and protect the Chatham Community.  The stated purpose was to “band together to foster, create and explore those plans and programs that will ensure stability and growth of our business communities.”

Over the years, CBA has worked closely with major financial institutions, corporations, local businesses and civic leaders to spearhead economic development in the most vulnerable neighborhoods, and where the majority of small and minority owned businesses have their business operations. As a result of the CBA expertise in developing successful small business growth tools, Chatham’s market has extended to serving businesses city and statewide.

Chatham Business Association achievements

Chatham Business Association is a small business resource center that offers an array of customized services and programs designed to assist businesses. Areas of assistance include: expansion and growth through economic development, strategic planning, technical training, business trend workshops, access to capital assistance, effective collaborative marketing programs and government certification.

  • Assisted 125 Small Businesses with Microlending
  • Packaged 51 Microloan Applications
  • Assisted 25 Small Businesses with MBE/WBE Certifications
  • Expanded 8 Small Business Certifications
  • Trained 232 Small Businesses on technology and marketing
  • Host annual CBA Juniors Employment Workshop and Job Fair
  • Provided Commercial Banking to Small Businesses through our Financial Partners
  • Negotiate Procurement Opportunities
  • Negotiate Small Business Grants for Business Improvement

To learn more about Chatham Business Association visit cbaworks.org