Brigette R. LeBlanc, MTA
President & CEO
A Letter from the President & CEO
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Dear SFAACC Membership and Business Community,
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It is a profound honor to serve as the President and CEO of the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce (SFAACC). As the first woman to lead this organization in its 52-year history, I embrace this role with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering determination. I have always believed that progress is not born from complacency—it is forged through bold action, advocacy, and an unrelenting commitment to challenging the status quo. Silence has never built legacies, and I do not intend to start now.
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Black entrepreneurship is a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and economic power. Our businesses have long been the backbone of our communities, driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping industries. But to move beyond survival and into sustained prosperity, we must dismantle the barriers that have historically restricted our growth. That is why my focus is clear: we are not here to ask for a seat at the table—we are here to build our own.
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To accelerate small business growth and fortify our economic future, we must prioritize:
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Access to Capital – Black businesses deserve equitable access to funding without unnecessary hurdles. We must dismantle outdated financial systems that have excluded us for too long and demand new pathways to wealth creation.
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Corporate & Government Contracts – Advocacy must turn into action. Black-owned businesses must be included in procurement opportunities and positioned to lead in securing large-scale contracts that drive economic power and sustainability.
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Mentorship & Business Education – Capital alone is not enough. Knowledge, strategic connections, and business acumen are fundamental to long-term success. We must invest in cultivating the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders.
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But growth is not just about revenue—it’s about readiness. Ask yourself: What does your business look like without you? Are you building a legacy that can sustain itself, or are you simply working to stay afloat? Preparation is key in planning to scale, sell, or pass your business on to the next generation. Your hard work should not be in vain, and we will ensure that discussions around succession planning, wealth preservation, and business sustainability are not overlooked.
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Equally important, take care of yourself. Your health is your most incredible wealth, and your network is your most valuable asset. Success is not just about pushing forward; it’s about knowing when to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Growth does not come from standing still, and neither does excellence.
We are in this together. And together, we will not just survive—we will thrive.
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In unity and progress,
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Brigette ​
Brigette R. LeBlanc, MTA
President & CEO
San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce