Economic Empowerment

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation publishes content on economic empowerment and related issues. Find and access current and archived items in our database. 

Benefits Cliffs: The Financial Risks of Increased Earnings for Working Families

Center for Education and Workforce
September 29, 2022
Father Playing with Kids in Bedroom
The loss of eligibility for public safety-net programs and the benefits they provide as income rises above eligibility limits is called a “benefit cliff.” Benefits cliffs can significantly impact lower-wage workers and their families financially and may act as a disincentive for pursuing modest promotions and incremental raises and career development.
Economic Empowerment
Economic Growth
Workforce Training

Unemployment and Underemployment Continue to Plague Military Spouses and Affect Financial Stability

Hiring Our Heroes
September 15, 2022
For the past decade, military spouses have experienced an unwavering unemployment rate of 22%, making it one of the highest unemployed demographics in the United States. According to new research, their spouses' military service is also negatively affecting their ability to maximize employer-sponsored retirement benefits, build their long-term financial futures and find careers that offer competitive salaries equivalent to their professional experiences and/or education levels. The Hidden Financial Costs of Military Spouse Unemployment survey, conducted by Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) in collaboration with Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and First Command Financial Services Inc., shines a light on the impacts of being a military spouse.
Economic Empowerment
Military Spouses
Women

Applications Now Open for the Coalition to Back Black Businesses 2022-23 Grant Program

Corporate Citizenship Center
August 22, 2022

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and American Express today announced that the Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) is now accepting applications for its 2022-23 grant program, which will provide $5,000 grants to 272 Black-owned small businesses to help them meet critical needs and invest in long-term growth.

Corporate Citizenship
Economic Empowerment
Economic Growth
Entrepreneurship

Incorporating Inclusion: Charlotte, North Carolina

The U.S. Chamber Foundation will host its next Incorporating Inclusion event in Charlotte, NC. This half-day forum is an opportunity for businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses, and partners to learn how to build inclusive cultures inside and outside their organizations.

12th Annual International Women's Day Forum: Business Powering Gender Equity

This two-day event is hosted in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for our 12th Annual International Women’s Day Forum on March 3-4, 2022, to discuss how businesses, nonprofits, and governments can seize this moment to reinvent and drive sustainable progress for women.

Black-Owned Small Business Apostrophe Puzzles Brings Greater Equity to the Art World

Corporate Citizenship Center
February 2, 2022
Apostrophe Puzzles
© Apostrophe Puzzles
Masden started Apostrophe Puzzles to showcase the work of contemporary artists of color in December 2019 and received a grant from the Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) last year. The multi-year initiative founded in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, American Express, and the nation’s four leading Black chambers – provides critical support and immediate financial aid to Black-owned small businesses through grants, mentorship, and other resources.
Economic Empowerment
Entrepreneurship

Black-Owned Small Business Woofbowl Delivers Smiles For Dog Lovers Amid Adversity

Corporate Citizenship Center
February 2, 2022
Woofbowl
© Woofbowl

Ron Holloway, co-owner of Woofbowl, a food truck business that specializes in nutrient-dense meals for dogs, navigates specific challenges as a small business owner amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB) – a multi-year initiative founded in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, American Express, and the nation’s four leading Black chambers – helps provide opportunities for success. Since launch, the CBBB has distributed $5,000 grants to more than 1,000  Black small business owners across the country and continues to offer resources to help business owners thrive.

Economic Empowerment
Entrepreneurship

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