Shalimar Thomas has spent years at the intersection of business advocacy, community development, and economic justice. As a leader within the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE, she's helped channel resources, connections, and visibility toward the Black entrepreneurs who are often the last to receive them.
We sat down with Shalimar to talk about what the Chamber does, why it matters, and what she believes is the real key to building an equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Philadelphia.
What does the African American Chamber actually do on the ground?
"People hear 'Chamber of Commerce' and think networking events," she says. "And yes, we do that. But our work goes much deeper. We're talking about policy advocacy, access to capital, technical assistance, mentorship. We work to change the systems that have made it harder for Black entrepreneurs to build and scale businesses."
The Chamber connects members with lending institutions, contract opportunities, legal resources, and each other. "The network is the most underrated asset," she explains. "When you have access to people who've navigated the same obstacles, you don't have to figure it out alone."
What's the biggest obstacle for Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia?
"Capital access. Still. Always. It's not the only barrier, but it's consistently the first one. Studies show that Black business owners receive less funding, fewer approvals, and worse terms than their white counterparts with identical financials. That's not a pipeline problem. That's a systemic problem."
The Chamber has responded by building relationships with CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions), credit unions, and impact investors who are explicitly committed to closing the racial wealth gap in business financing.
What gives you hope?
"The entrepreneurs themselves. Every time I meet a young Black founder who is building something real in this city, choosing to stay and invest here when they could go anywhere — that's what keeps me going. Philadelphia has extraordinary talent. Our job is to make sure that talent gets the infrastructure it deserves."
Find the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE at aachamber.com.
