BLISS Program

The California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation (CBCCF) was established 15 years ago to assist local Black Chambers of Commerce in California with business growth and development. CBCCF is the largest African American non-profit business organization representing small and emerging businesses, affiliates and chambers of commerce throughout the state. CBCCF provides technical support for supplier diversity issues, and facilitates business development and training for purposes of creating self-employment and wealth in Black communities.

In support of the basis for advocating for community wealth building, the CBCCF released its’ second issue of CalDigest – African Americans in California: A Blue Print for Change. CalDigest II is a public policy paper that identifies the common causes and recommended solutions to the State of despair that exists within certain African American communities in California. Cal Digest II is a close examination of four factors that define well-being and prosperity – education, economics, crime and health. What is clear from the report is that the African American socio-demographic standing in California is slowly declining and if some measures are not taken to turn the poor indicators associated with these factors around, African Americans will continue to negatively rank disproportionately, and the numbers of African Americans in California will continue to decline.

To that end, the CBCCF proposes the Black Institute for Self-Sustainability (BLISS) The BLISS is a social enterprise organization, structured to pioneer change and innovations that will spur economic development and growth by stimulating the growth of small business and commerce in the African American community. The Institute will take action to improve existing systems, invent new approaches, and create sustainable solutions to positively change the African American community in California.

The mission of BLISS is to grow organizations in the community to be efficient, resourceful and effective; leading to self sustainability for them and the minority communities they serve. To accomplish that mission, BLISS has developed a menu of service offerings that target the following: entrepreneurs, emerging, small businesses, faith and community based organizations (FBCO).

The program consists of the following core services:
• FBCO Initiative
• First Step FastTrac®- Microenterprise Curriculum
• Business Coaching
• Professional Services
• Micro Lending