The Chamber is proud to partner with more than 500 state and local chambers, associations, and businesses across the country. Through this work, we continue to develop research and data insights, convene key stakeholders to address EOI issues, advocate and drive action to advance policies and private sector solutions, and design programs, initiatives and partnerships that promote the promise of equal opportunity for all Americans.
Equality of Opportunity Initiative
Closing America's Opportunity Gaps
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched the Equality of Opportunity Initiative (EOI) to develop real, sustainable solutions to help close opportunity gaps in six key areas: education, employment, entrepreneurship, criminal justice, health, and wealth.
Driven by data and informed by conversations, the EOI agenda advances these solutions through private sector initiatives, and policy advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels.
Breaking down barriers
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The business community is pushing for private and public sector solutions to some of the underlying challenges driving inequality of opportunity for Black Americans and other people of color.
Member Stories
- A conversation with United Airlines on diversity in the aviation industryBrett J. Hart, President of United Airlines, sat down with Rick Wade, the Chamber's Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach, to discuss the importance of this commitment and expanding diversity in the aviation industry. Read more
- Chamber member Dr. Anton Bizzell, an accomplished physician and an inspiring community memberDr. Anton Bizzell is President and CEO of The Bizzell Group. He is not only an accomplished physician, but an inspiring community member helping clients build sustainable and innovative communities with wisdom, compassion, and integrity.Read more
- Chamber member Beau Shell has been an entrepreneur since he was eightBeau Shell started his business in 2012 when he asked his parents for an ice cream cart for his eighth birthday. Now he is CEO and Owner of Lil Ice Cream Dude's Cool World Ice Cream Shop.Read more
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By the numbers
We compiled this research to show the magnitude of opportunity gaps in six key areas. The findings inform our work as we continue to pursue targeted, data-driven, and sustainable solutions that will help deliver the American promise of equal opportunity to all.
More from EOI
- Events and ConversationsThe event series Equality of Opportunity In Action takes deep dives on topics ranging from board diversity to supplier diversity.Explore events
- Policy AgendaDriven by data and informed by conversations with business, government, academic, and civic leaders, we developed our policy agenda to advance private sector solutions and best practices, scale impactful programs, and drive policy action at the federal, state, and local level.Learn More
- Legislation AdvocacyThe Chamber has endorsed several EOI-related bills that close the digital divide, promote investment in opportunity zones, expand the availability and quality of affordable childcare, and address other issues on our policy agenda.
Latest Content
As the business voice of the LGBT community, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses. The LGBT business owners that NGLCC represents generate over $1.7 trillion in economic impact, create jobs and innovate business solutions nationwide.
Senior Vice President Rick Wade's testimony before the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing, “Transforming the VA Workforce: Assessing Progress on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives.”
This Coalition letter was sent to the House Committee on Financial Services, supporting H.R. 1277, the “Improving Corporate Governance Through Diversity Act of 2021.”
This Hill letter was sent to the Members of the United States Congress, supporting the "Improving Corporate Governance Through Diversity Act."
Members of Congress who cosponsor these bills will receive credit for the Leadership component of their “How They Voted” rating.
This Hill letter was sent to the Members of the United States Congress, supporting S. 389 / H.R. 1226, the "Next Generation Entrepreneurship Corps Act."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced today that Latricia Boone has joined as Vice President to help lead the Equality of Opportunity Initiative (EOI).
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President Rick Wade issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s executive order today on racial equity: “The public and private sectors must join hands and work together to ensure that equality of opportunity is evident for Black Americans and other persons of color. All communities should be able to fully access the benefits and opportunities of our government.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President Rick Wade issued the following statement in response to President Biden issuing an Executive order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and leading business organizations join in commending Congress for reaching a deal to restore Pell Grants access for incarcerated students. The deal comes after Congress banned aid for prison education systems 26 years ago.
