Nikki Purvis of the African American Chamber of Commerce Discusses Efforts to Boost Black Businesses

In 1912, President William Howard Taft established the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to unify American businesses. However, many voices—particularly Black entrepreneurs—were excluded from that vision, facing barriers to capital, networks, and institutional support.

To address these disparities, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AACCW) was founded in 1993. Today, the organization continues to support Black business owners across Milwaukee and beyond through advocacy, training, and strategic partnerships.

At the center of this work is Nikki Purvis, the chamber’s president, whose leadership reflects both lived experience and a deep commitment to economic equity.

Growing Up in Milwaukee

Purvis was raised in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood in a family grounded in faith and community values. She attended Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in West Allis as part of the Chapter 220 integration program, becoming the first Black female student at the school.

While the experience came with daily challenges, it also instilled resilience and shaped her perspective on leadership and opportunity.

Educational and Career Journey

Purvis attended Marquette University, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). After stepping away briefly to care for her mother, she went on to earn a master’s degree in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University.

Her career began at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, where she developed an interest in public service. She later spent 13 years with Milwaukee’s Department of Administration, focusing on small business development before becoming president of the AACCW in 2022.

The Role of the AACCW

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing Black-owned businesses. It provides advocacy, training, and access to resources for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Purvis oversees daily operations, manages staff, and ensures the organization continues to meet the evolving needs of its members.

Despite this work, disparities remain. A 2022 LendingTree study found that Black-owned businesses account for just 1.8% of all businesses in Milwaukee, highlighting the ongoing need for targeted support.

Supporting Black Entrepreneurs

The AACCW offers several financial and educational resources to help businesses grow.

Its Revolving Loan Fund, supported by $1 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, provides low-interest loans to entrepreneurs. The chamber also connects members with organizations such as Legacy Redevelopment Corporation and KIVA, which offer additional funding opportunities.

RISE Milwaukee Program

One of the chamber’s flagship initiatives is RISE Milwaukee, a 14-week training program designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential business skills.

The program covers topics including finance, human resources, marketing, and customer engagement, culminating in a pitch competition where participants present their businesses to judges and community members.

With nine cohorts completed, 84% of participating businesses remain operational, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.

RISE Opportunity Fund

The RISE Opportunity Fund has distributed more than $4 million in grants to small African American businesses across Wisconsin.

Unlike loans, these funds do not require repayment and can be used for expenses such as payroll, equipment, and operational costs, supporting over 150 businesses.

Membership Benefits

The chamber’s network includes more than 200 members, ranging from small businesses to corporate partners.

Membership benefits include access to workshops, marketing opportunities, and inclusion in a directory of Black-owned businesses, helping connect entrepreneurs with new clients and collaborators.

Success Stories

Purvis highlighted businesses such as Lean Design Werks and Pwr Fwd Media as examples of success within the chamber’s network.

She emphasized that strong relationships, consistency, and a positive mindset are critical factors in building sustainable businesses.

Driving Progress Forward

Under Nikki Purvis’ leadership, the AACCW continues to play a vital role in advancing economic opportunity for Black entrepreneurs.

Through advocacy, funding, and education, the organization is helping to build a more inclusive business ecosystem—one that supports growth, resilience, and long-term success.