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CHINO, CA — The Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire (BCCIE) and the Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center, an Inland Empire economic and workforce development hub and a project of Time for Change Foundation, are partnering for Elevate 11: E4 Business Conference & Expo, taking place Friday, Oct. 23, in Chino.
Elevate 11 will bring together Inland Empire entrepreneurs, business leaders, organizations, agencies and resource partners for a full day of business education, networking and access to practical resources. Conference programming will address access to capital and banking, government contracting and business certifications, workforce development, AI and technology, leadership, branding, operations and sustainable business growth.
BBOP Center will participate as an E4 Champion Sponsor, supporting BCCIE’s work to connect businesses with the information, relationships and resources they need to grow. BBOP Center founder Dr. Kim Carter-Tillman, known as “America’s Trusted AI Guide,” will deliver the conference keynote and moderate the AI panel discussion.
A nationally recognized social entrepreneur, Carter-Tillman was named Nexstar’s 2025 National Remarkable Woman of the Year, has been recognized as a Top 10 CNN Hero and was recently recognized by California State Treasurer Fiona Ma for her leadership in advancing ethical AI use and helping businesses and nonprofits use AI for innovation, growth and community impact.
Through BBOP Center and its Kinetic AI Hub, Carter-Tillman is expanding AI literacy and readiness, with a focus on helping entrepreneurs and communities understand how emerging technology can be used to strengthen businesses and create economic opportunity. At Elevate 11, she will address how entrepreneurs can move beyond simply hearing about AI to understanding where it fits in their business, how to use it responsibly and how it can help them operate and compete more effectively.
“Artificial intelligence is already changing business, and entrepreneurs need more than information about what is coming next. They need practical ways to understand the technology and use it,” Carter-Tillman said. “Elevate 11 creates an opportunity to bring those conversations directly to business owners and help them see where AI can support the work they are already doing and where they want to grow.”
“Building and sustaining a successful business is a journey. Growth and change come by the renewing of our minds. It’s time to ELEVATE!” said Tammy Martin-Ryles, President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire (BCCIE).
The AI conversation will continue beyond the conference stage. At the BBOP Center exhibitor booth, BBOP AI interns will provide live demonstrations of artificial intelligence tools, giving business owners a firsthand look at ways the technology can support day-to-day operations and business growth.
The partnership brings together BCCIE’s work to support minority-owned businesses with BBOP Center’s work in entrepreneurship, workforce development, capital access and AI readiness. Together, the organizations are creating another point of access for Inland Empire entrepreneurs to connect with technology, resources, and relationships that can help strengthen their businesses.
Elevate 11: E4 Business Conference & Expo will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the Chino Community Building, 5443 B St. in Chino. For conference information and registration, visit BCCInlandEmpire.com.
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About Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire: The Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire (BCCIE) is dedicated to empowering minority-owned businesses through education, meaningful connections, advocacy, and access to opportunities that inspire sustainable growth. The Chamber connects entrepreneurs and business owners with resources, relationships and opportunities to help strengthen and grow their businesses. To learn more, visit BCCInlandEmpire.com.
About the BBOP Center: The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center advances entrepreneurship, workforce development and economic empowerment in the age of AI by equipping entrepreneurs, workers and communities with the tools, training, technology, capital readiness and networks needed to compete and thrive in the future economy. Through business advising, mentorship, capital access, workforce training and innovation programs, BBOP Center helps individuals transform ideas into businesses, skills into income and opportunity into long-term economic mobility. The BBOP Center is a project of Time for Change Foundation and serves entrepreneurs throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. To learn more visit BBOPCenter.com.
