MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 8th Black Business Awards Recognition and Exhibition Program on Thursday.

This year’s event is called the Era’s Ball. The evening is dedicated to celebrating leadership, innovation and economic impact of Black entrepreneurs and organizations throughout the region.

Camille Carter, CEO and president of the chamber, said it’s the chamber’s largest annual fundraiser.

“We need to sustain our agency and the catalytic rippling effects of our work,” Carter said. “It strengthens the Madison region and we need our business and community support.”

Those who attend the event will get the chance to shop local Black vendors, learn about Black business growth through exhibits and listen to a women’s panel.

Carter said having a platform and space for Black business owners to feel valued is important.

“What I’ve learned in three years is really the importance of recognition of, you know, our businesses, over 90 percent of them are solopreneurs. They’re working in their businesses alone,” she said. “Oftentimes, you just really don’t have an opportunity to pause and really feel good about the accomplishments that you have accomplished.”

The night will end with an awards and recognition program for businesses in the chamber.

“Our organization supports diverse businesses throughout Madison in the south central region of Wisconsin, really helping them to build their business, to lead them to opportunities and connect them with resources,” Carter said.

The event will be held Thursday, March 26 at the Monona Terrace starting at 4:30 p.m.

More details on tickets can be found, here.

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