Fort Worth will be the hub of Texas’ Black‑business community this week as the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAACC) holds its 2026 annual conference Sep. 23‑25 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center. More than 30 Black chambers and roughly 350,000 Black‑owned businesses across the state are represented, making the event a key platform for economic development.
Conference focus: real intelligence and tangible resources
TAACC officials describe the three‑day gathering as a chance to move beyond talk about artificial intelligence and toward “R.I. — Real Intelligence,” the strategy, capital and connections that actually advance Black‑owned enterprises. In a Facebook video, TAACC President Charles O’Neal urged attendees to witness firsthand the solutions chambers are delivering for the challenges Black businesses face.
“There is work being done to ensure an improved quality of life for Black Texans, greater sustainability and profitability for Black‑owned businesses, and your presence at this conference lends your voice to making those plans a reality,” O’Neal said.
Local leaders and programming
Fort Worth’s own business leaders will take prominent roles. Michelle Green‑Ford, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, will speak about recent gains in the chamber’s financial strength through new community partnerships and corporate sponsorships. Sharon Douglas, owner and CEO of Potere Construction, and Velenda Dewberry, director of southeast‑region sales for Visit Fort Worth, will also address the audience.
The agenda includes keynote speakers, AI workshops, an awards dinner, vendor hubs and a 2027 legislative update. A dedicated economic summit on Friday at 10 a.m. will focus on business‑to‑business opportunities, government contracting and networking across public and private sectors.
City support and broader convention calendar
Amy Brown, chief sales and strategy officer at Visit Fort Worth, highlighted the city’s robust convention schedule. “Looking ahead to a strong 2027, Fort Worth will host more than 200 meetings, conventions and events,” she said, noting returning groups such as Texas FFA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, as well as new additions like the National Beta Club and NCAA men’s basketball.
The conference follows a recent national gathering by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also held in Fort Worth, underscoring the city’s growing role as a regional hub for minority‑focused business events.
Policy context
Earlier this year, Green‑Ford noted that the Fort Worth Black chamber’s financial health improved thanks to new partnerships, even as the city suspended DEI initiatives to comply with federal orders. The chamber has since emphasized certifications for minority‑ and women‑owned firms to increase competition for city contracts, reinforcing a commitment to equitable economic opportunity.
“We have to go forward, and we cannot let the vision to support our minority‑ and women‑owned businesses fall,” Green‑Ford said. “So let’s go!”
Why it matters for Fort Worth
The conference provides local entrepreneurs with direct access to capital, mentorship and policy updates that can translate into jobs and growth for the city’s neighborhoods. By spotlighting Black‑owned businesses, the event aligns with Fort Worth’s broader economic development goals and supports the creation of a more inclusive, resilient local economy.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
