Your Gateway to Empowerment, Growth & Opportunity

Our membership community is a vibrant ecosystem where small businesses, corporations, nonprofits, sole proprietors, and aspiring entrepreneurs come together to forge connections, access valuable resources, and ignite their potential for success. Whether you're an industry veteran or a budding professional, joining BCU opens doors to networking, mentorship, training, and opportunities that can transform your business. Become a sponsor today!

Our Rich History…

BCU has its roots in a rich history of community-driven organizations. It all began with the "Brotherhood Club," a group of Black tradesmen who, in the late 1960s, convened at a Westside Chicago barbershop to discuss the challenges faced by Black men in the construction industry amid a backdrop of societal racism. These informal meetings later evolved into the Westside Builders Association, which eventually became the United Builders Association, affiliated with the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC).

Around the same time, another organization called the "Tradesman Club" was established. This group collaborated with the Chicago Urban League for Project 110, a program designed to introduce 110 Black individuals into the construction trades, who would then serve as coaches to train others entering the field.

The initial participants in this program faced threats and required the protection of the U.S. Marshals during their early projects. The Consolidated Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO), which was funding the United Builders Association, decided to merge the two associations for economic reasons. However, this posed challenges for Westside members due to an inconvenient meeting location.

In response, remnants of the Westside Builders Association, the United Builders Association, and the Tradesman Club came together to establish Black Contractors United. Notably, Mr. Lawrence Woods, the first president of BCU, emphasized the importance of engaging with political officials at all government levels, setting BCU apart from its predecessors. Now, 60+ years later, BCU stands as a pillar of support for minority businesses.

Sponsorship Request

We provide a range of options tailored to accommodate small businesses, corporations, sponsorships, nonprofit organizations, individual members, sole proprietors, and emerging entrepreneurs, including college students. Please fill out the form below, and our team will contact you to discuss how we can partner to best suit your requirements.