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.Read 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
By teaming up, businesses and nonprofits are stepping up to help communities’ most vulnerable residents.
This Hill letter was sent to the Members of the United States Senate, supporting S. 4873, the "Reaching America's Rural Minority Businesses Act of 2020."
The purpose of this report is to highlight the business case for racial equity — stressing the importance of racial equity as both an imperative for social justice and a strategy for economic growth.
This Hill letter on broadband connectivity and the homework gap was sent to the Members of the United States Congress.
This Hill letter was sent to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, on S. 3441, the “Fair Hiring in Banking Act.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced the beginning of a process to preserve the Black Lives Matter signs displayed on construction scaffolding surrounding the organization’s historic building. Situated across from Lafayette Square and currently undergoing a significant restoration, the Chamber’s headquarters has become an organic gallery for demonstrators’ messages and artwork.
Nation’s largest advocacy group endorses more than a dozen bills; will score lawmakers on the measures Bills include proposals to close employment gaps, target federal support to disadvantaged communities, and improve educational opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals
Poll shows minority-owned small businesses harder hit by pandemic.
This Coalition letter was sent to the Members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, supporting H.R. 5084, the "Improving Corporate Governance through Diversity Act of 2019."
Policy Recommendations and Private Sector Solutions to Address Gaps Negatively Affecting Black Americans
