Member Services & Networking

  • As a valued member of the Somali Chamber of Commerce, you gain exclusive access to business and trade delegationsheld across key U.S. cities and select international markets. These curated experiences are designed to open doors for Somali entrepreneurs and business leaders, providing meaningful opportunities to:

    • Engage directly with policymakers through private briefings, roundtable discussions, and public policy sessions focused on issues affecting Somali and minority-owned businesses.

    • Participate in strategic business matchmaking with potential clients, investors, distributors, and collaborators tailored to your industry and growth goals.

    • Explore new and emerging markets, both domestically and internationally, to identify expansion opportunities and global partnerships.

    • Build powerful networks by connecting with fellow Somali-American entrepreneurs, minority-owned enterprises, and key public and private sector leaders.

    • Learn from best practices by visiting successful business models and participating in site visits that offer behind-the-scenes insights into scalable strategies and innovation.

    Our delegations are more than just business trips—they are immersive experiences that foster knowledge exchange, community advancement, and lasting economic impact. Whether you're an emerging entrepreneur or an established business owner, these engagements are designed to position you for long-term success and visibility.

  • Each spring, members of the Somali Chamber of Commerce are invited to attend the Somali Entrepreneurship Leadership Forum—our flagship annual event that celebrates innovation, leadership, and economic growth within the Somali business community.

    This premier gathering brings together Somali and American business owners, elected officials, investors, economic development leaders, and policymakers for a full day of learning, collaboration, and vision-setting. Designed to inspire and empower, the event features TED-style keynote talks, interactive expert panels, and roundtable discussions that explore key topics like access to capital, government contracting, digital transformation, and small business scaling strategies.

    The Leadership Forum is also a powerful networking opportunity, giving members direct access to potential partners, mentors, service providers, and public sector allies. Attendees leave with new knowledge, valuable contacts, and actionable ideas to take their businesses to the next level.

    For non-members, tickets are valued at $2,000, but chamber members attend for free or at a deeply discounted rate—just one of the many high-value benefits of joining our network.

    This event reflects our mission to create real opportunity, visibility, and support for Somali entrepreneurs across the United States.

  • Held annually in a rotating U.S. city with a large Somali population, the Somali Business Summit is the premier gathering for Somali entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and community leaders. This two-day event is designed to celebrate Somali entrepreneurship, foster innovation, and build strong business ecosystems across the diaspora.

    The Summit features a dynamic lineup of interactive workshops, live pitch competitions, networking expos, and community panel discussions that address real-world challenges and opportunities in business. Attendees gain insights into emerging trends in Somali entrepreneurship, including technology, health care, logistics, fashion, and food industries.

    Participants have the chance to hear directly from successful CEOs and industry trailblazers, many of whom share their journey from start-up to success, offering practical advice and inspiration. The Summit also provides an opportunity to collaborate on regional strategies for growth, policy advocacy, and investment, creating a space where ideas can turn into action.

    Exclusive business-to-business matchmaking sessions connect entrepreneurs with funders, mentors, and partners, while youth and women-focused sessions ensure inclusive participation across all demographics. Whether you're launching a new venture, scaling your operations, or exploring the U.S. market as a global Somali business, the Somali Business Summit is your gateway to visibility, credibility, and long-term impact.

  • Our Small Business Growth Accelerator is designed to provide Somali entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to succeed at every stage of business. As a member, you gain access to personalized technical assistance, one-on-one business coaching, and mentorship programs led by experienced professionals who understand both the cultural context and economic challenges Somali business owners face.

    We connect you with experts who can assist with:

    • Business planning and strategy development

    • Financial literacy and bookkeeping

    • Licensing and regulatory compliance

    • Branding, marketing, and customer outreach

    • Navigating state and federal certification programs (such as MBE, DBE, WBE)

    Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, our Accelerator helps you:

    • Secure funding through grants, loans, or community lending circles

    • Become contract-ready for government and corporate procurement opportunities

    • Develop digital and e-commerce capabilities to compete in today’s market

    • Build long-term sustainability through operational support and goal tracking

    These services are free or offered at a significantly reduced rate to members of the Somali Chamber of Commerce. Our goal is to remove the barriers that prevent many of our entrepreneurs from reaching their full potential and to create a strong foundation for economic growth within the Somali American community.

    Let the Chamber be your launchpad to success—you bring the vision, and we’ll help build the path.

  • The Somali Chamber of Commerce actively champions the economic interests of Somali-owned businesses through strategic advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. We work to ensure our members’ voices are included in important policy conversations that directly impact entrepreneurship, equity, and community wealth-building.

    As part of this program, members receive timely legislative updates, participate in action alerts, and are invited to exclusive policy roundtables with lawmakers, government agencies, and business coalitions. Our goal is to bridge the gap between policymakers and the Somali business community, making sure our unique challenges and strengths are recognized in public discourse.

    We advocate for policies that improve access to capital, reduce regulatory barriers, increase minority business representation in public contracts, and support workforce development programs. In addition, we help our members understand how changing laws may affect their operations, and we empower them to speak directly with decision-makers through organized visits to the State Capitol, city council hearings, and congressional briefings.

    By participating in this program, members not only stay informed but also gain the opportunity to help shape the economic future of our community. Together, we are building a powerful, united voice that advances the success of Somali entrepreneurs across the nation.

  • The Diaspora Investment & Trade Program is a powerful initiative designed to bridge the gap between Somali-American investors and business opportunities across Somalia and the East African region. Our goal is to foster economic growth and stability by creating a trusted platform for cross-border collaboration, innovation, and wealth-building within the global Somali community.

    Through this program, we:

    • Connect Somali-American Investors to Opportunities
      We host virtual pitch sessions and curated business showcases that spotlight promising entrepreneurs and ventures in sectors like agriculture, fintech, energy, real estate, education, and more. These sessions are designed to build trust and transparency, helping diaspora investors identify and support ventures that align with their interests and values.

    • Facilitate Cross-Border Legal & Regulatory Support
      Navigating legal and financial frameworks in East Africa can be complex. That’s why we provide access to cross-border legal guidance, tax advice, and due diligence support to protect both investors and entrepreneurs. We work with legal experts in the U.S. and East Africa to ensure investments are compliant, secure, and successful.

    • Organize Diaspora Business Expos & Delegations
      Our annual Diaspora Business Expo brings together Somali business leaders, government officials, development partners, and aspiring entrepreneurs under one roof to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and promote investment. We also lead delegations to East Africa that allow Somali-American investors to visit projects on the ground, explore markets, and meet directly with local business owners and policy-makers.

    • Foster Long-Term Economic Growth
      By channeling diaspora resources back into East Africa, we support local job creation, infrastructure development, and private sector growth—while helping Somali-Americans build intergenerational wealth and deepen their economic ties to their ancestral homeland.

    This program is more than just business—it's about rebuilding trust, strengthening identity, and ensuring Somali communities around the world prosper together.

  • The Somali Chamber of Commerce is committed to cultivating the next generation of Somali-American leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Through our Youth and Talent Pipeline, we provide meaningful opportunities for Somali youth to explore and pursue business and career pathways that align with their passions and potential.

    We offer a comprehensive range of programs, including paid internships, one-on-one mentorships, entrepreneurship camps, and college and university partnerships. These initiatives help students and young adults build real-world skills, gain exposure to diverse industries, and expand their professional networks.

    A flagship initiative under this pillar is the Somali Future Leaders Fellowship — a leadership development program designed to empower Somali youth through hands-on learning, civic engagement, and innovation training. Fellows receive mentorship from seasoned professionals and community leaders, and participate in workshops focused on business planning, public speaking, financial literacy, and more.

    Our goal is to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring that Somali youth are not only equipped for the workforce but also inspired to lead and innovate in their communities and beyond.

    Whether you're a high school student, college student, or recent graduate, the Somali Chamber of Commerce is here to help you explore your potential and build a pathway to success.

  • Empowering Somali Women Entrepreneurs

    The Women in Business Network is a cornerstone initiative of the Somali Chamber of Commerce, created to amplify the voices and success of Somali women in business. We recognize the unique challenges that women—especially Somali women—face in the entrepreneurial landscape, and we are committed to breaking down those barriers through targeted support and collective empowerment.

    Through this initiative, women gain access to:

    • Business Training & Capacity Building: Hands-on workshops and seminars designed to enhance skills in leadership, financial literacy, marketing, and business planning.

    • Peer Mentorship Circles: Connect with successful women leaders and mentors in the community who offer guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights.

    • Micro-Grants for Startups: Financial support through small business grants to help women launch or grow their businesses, especially those in underserved sectors.

    • Networking Opportunities: Regular events and forums that create space for women to connect, collaborate, and build strategic partnerships.

    • Advocacy & Representation: We elevate the voices of Somali women entrepreneurs in policy discussions, economic development forums, and industry panels—ensuring their needs and aspirations are heard at every level.

    By fostering a supportive ecosystem rooted in equity, culture, and collaboration, the Women in Business Network ensures that Somali women entrepreneurs are not only participating in business—but leading it.