In honor of Black History Month, the Colorado Chamber is recognizing Black business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and job creators who have grown their businesses from the ground up and are core to our local Colorado communities.
Today’s feature is Dr. Angelic Cole with the Colorado Black Chamber
Dr. Angelic Cole is the president and CEO of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, an organization dedicated to advocating for Black-owned businesses in the state. As the chamber celebrates its 40th anniversary, Dr. Cole brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and education to her role, continuing the organization’s mission of empowering Black entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth.
With 20 years in the nonprofit sector and 18 years as an educator in business administration and entrepreneurship, Dr. Cole is deeply committed to creating opportunities for underserved communities. A first-generation college student, she holds an associate degree in engineering science, a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on marketing and an MBA in finance from St. Louis University. She also earned a doctorate in higher education leadership from Maryville University.
Colorado has long been a destination for Black professionals to build businesses, with Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood serving as a hub for Black entrepreneurship in the 1920s. As Black-owned businesses expanded across the state, leaders recognized the need for formal advocacy, leading to the founding of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce in 1985. Today, the chamber has grown to represent a wide network of corporate partners and small businesses, championing policies and initiatives that strengthen the Black business community.
Dr. Cole’s leadership philosophy is rooted in service, believing that true leadership means prioritizing the success of others. She is passionate about expanding access to quality, affordable education and sees collaboration as essential to building strong, thriving communities. By fostering strategic partnerships and advocating for economic opportunities, she is committed to ensuring Colorado remains a premier destination for Black business owners.
Under her leadership, the chamber is poised to build on its legacy, driving meaningful change and reinforcing Colorado’s reputation as a place where Black entrepreneurs can succeed and thrive.
Learn more about Colorado Black Chamber by visiting their website here.
Connect with the Colorado Black Chamber on social media:
Know of a Black-owned business you think should be featured by the Colorado Chamber? Nominate one here!
The Colorado Chamber is committed to promoting an inclusive state economy and diverse workforce, fostering economic opportunity for all. We appreciate our partnership with minority-owned businesses across Colorado and will continue to work with these job creators on state and federal policies that impact minority employers and their employees.
Resources:
Small Business Association: Minority Owned Business Resources
Colorado Office of Economic Development and Trade: Minority Owned Business Directory
Minority Business Office of Colorado: Programs and Funding
Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber: 21 Resources for Black-Owned Businesses
Minority Business Development Agency
Google for Small Business: How can I let customers know my business is Black-owned?