Black Contractors Owners & Executives

Black Contractors Owners & Executives BCOE meets monthly to provide information, resources and education to our members about the trade industry.

Black Contractors, Owners and Executives (BCOE) is

An organization that is unified and committed to supporting Black Contractors and Industry Professionals through education, mentoring, advocacy, and legislation resulting in the economic growth and advancement of Black communities. We accomplish this mission through our Executive Board, Monthly Meetings, Education Sessions and Advocacy. We invite

all black contractors, owners, and executives, as well as those interested in working with us to join us for a monthly meeting to learn more about our organization and how we can partner in the future.

What an incredible evening at BCOE’s Monthly Membership Meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026.Our panel discussion brought t...
05/27/2026

What an incredible evening at BCOE’s Monthly Membership Meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Our panel discussion brought together powerful voices from within our membership who shared their real journeys into the construction industry — from how they got started, to where they are now, and the lessons learned while building and scaling their businesses.

The conversation was honest, insightful, and inspiring. Our attendees were fully engaged, asking questions, networking, and leaning into the value of shared experiences and community. One of the most impactful parts of the evening was hearing how becoming a BCOE member opened doors, created opportunities, strengthened relationships, and helped our panelists grow both personally and professionally.

This is exactly what BCOE is about — connection, collaboration, access, and building pathways for Black contractors, owners, and executives to thrive.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to another successful and empowering meeting. The energy in the room was unmatched, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

Please join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our President, Vanessa Lovelace!We are grateful for her leadership, d...
05/20/2026

Please join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our President, Vanessa Lovelace!

We are grateful for her leadership, dedication, and continued commitment to advancing the mission of BCOE and supporting our members and communities.

Wishing her a wonderful birthday filled with joy, celebration, and many blessings.

Happy Birthday, President Lovelace!

No fluff. No filters. Just real conversations about what it truly takes to build, sustain, survive, and grow in today’s ...
05/20/2026

No fluff. No filters. Just real conversations about what it truly takes to build, sustain, survive, and grow in today’s construction industry.

Join Black Contractors Owners & Executives for an impactful General Membership Meeting: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly — where contractors, owners, executives, and industry professionals come together for honest dialogue around:

▪️ Cash flow & access to capital
▪️ Workforce challenges
▪️ Contracting opportunities
▪️ Project setbacks & lessons learned
▪️ Building sustainable businesses
▪️ Public & private sector navigation

📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 UJAMAA Construction | Chicago, IL

If you’re serious about growth, collaboration, and staying informed in this industry, this is a conversation you need to be in.

RSVP today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bcoe-general-membership-meeting-thursday-may-21st-2026-tickets-1988214276422?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Tee up for a day of impact, connection and opportunity at the 6th Annual Golf Outing & Scholarship Awards hosted by BCOE...
05/19/2026

Tee up for a day of impact, connection and opportunity at the 6th Annual Golf Outing & Scholarship Awards hosted by BCOE!

Join contractors, owners, executives and industry partners for a powerful day on the course as we raise funds to support future leaders through scholarships and workforce development initiatives.

⛳ Monday, June 22, 2026
📍 Cog Hill Golf Course
🏌🏾 Individual Golf Package: $350
🍽 Dinner Only: $250

Enjoy golf, networking, raffles, prizes, great food and your chance to WIN $10,000 for a Hole In One!

Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Register today and help us Drive Impact. Build Futures.

🌐 www.bcoegolf.com

Join us for another powerful evening of connection, collaboration, and industry insight at this month’s membership meeti...
05/18/2026

Join us for another powerful evening of connection, collaboration, and industry insight at this month’s membership meeting hosted by Black Contractors Owners & Executives.

Whether you’re a contractor, subcontractor, supplier, professional service provider, or industry partner, this is your opportunity to build meaningful relationships, stay informed on upcoming opportunities, and be part of the conversations shaping our industry and our communities.

Come ready to network, learn, and grow with leaders committed to elevating Black excellence in construction and business.

We look forward to seeing you there. Register via Eventbrite!

The future of our industry starts with the next generation.The Black Contractors Owners & Executives Scholarship Program...
05/13/2026

The future of our industry starts with the next generation.

The Black Contractors Owners & Executives Scholarship Program is officially accepting applications! We are proud to continue investing in students who are pursuing higher education, leadership, and excellence within our communities.

Scholarship recipients will be recognized at our Annual Golf Outing this June alongside industry leaders, contractors, and supporters committed to building opportunities that last.

Apply today or share with a deserving student:
BCOEChicago.org/scholarships

Dear Members, Partners, and Industry Stakeholders,On behalf of the leadership of Black Contractors Owners & Executives (...
05/04/2026

Dear Members, Partners, and Industry Stakeholders,

On behalf of the leadership of Black Contractors Owners & Executives (BCOE), President Vanessa Lovelace and the BCOE Board of Directors are proud to recognize Safety Week as an important opportunity to reinforce safe practices across construction projects and work environments throughout Illinois.

This week serves as a reminder that safety begins with awareness, preparation, and leadership. Before work starts, every project team must clearly understand site conditions, potential hazards, assigned responsibilities, and the controls necessary to perform work safely and efficiently.

For contractors, project owners, developers, and organizational leaders, maintaining a strong culture of safety is essential. It not only protects workers but also reduces incidents, prevents costly delays, strengthens compliance, and contributes to overall project success.

As the week begins, we encourage all teams to:

Review site-specific hazards prior to the start of work
Ensure all workers understand their tasks and associated risks
Reinforce proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Promote open communication and timely hazard reporting
Maintain active supervision to monitor changing jobsite conditions
The BCOE Board of Directors remains actively engaged in advancing initiatives that strengthen jobsite safety, workforce development, and contractor capacity across our membership. We call on all members and partners to lead with intention and accountability in creating safer work environments.

BCOE remains committed to supporting our members and partners in building safer, more accountable, and more professional jobsite environments across the construction industry.

Safety is not just a priority—it is a standard.

Sincerely,
Vanessa Lovelace
President

Board of Directors
Black Contractors Owners & Executives (BCOE)

National Apprenticeship Week is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action.From April 26 through May 2, BCOE proudly ...
04/30/2026

National Apprenticeship Week is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action.
From April 26 through May 2, BCOE proudly recognizes the power of Registered Apprenticeships to open doors, build careers, and strengthen our industry from the inside out.
This year’s theme, “America at Work: Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship,” speaks directly to what we stand for—creating real pathways to opportunity, developing skilled talent, and ensuring our communities are equipped to compete and thrive.
At BCOE, we don’t just talk workforce development—we invest in it. Through training, mentorship, and access to opportunity, we are committed to preparing the next generation of contractors, leaders, and executives.
The future of our industry depends on what we build today.
BuildTheFuture

BCOE’s Membership Appreciation Brunch is bringing members, decision-makers, and legislators into one room—and the conver...
04/20/2026

BCOE’s Membership Appreciation Brunch is bringing members, decision-makers, and legislators into one room—and the conversations in that room matter.

If you’re serious about visibility, relationships, and positioning your business for what’s next… you need to be there.

Featuring Guest Speaker John Roberson, Executive Vice President of the Obama Presidential Center.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:30 AM
Studio Imani | Chicago, IL
Limited seating available. Secure your spot now.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985414729903?aff=oddtdtcreator

Real opportunities don’t come from sitting on the sidelines—they come from being in the room.We’re proud to partner with...
04/07/2026

Real opportunities don’t come from sitting on the sidelines—they come from being in the room.

We’re proud to partner with MWRD to host an exclusive networking event designed to connect contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and service firms directly with McDonagh Demolition, the newly awarded Prime Contractor for the upcoming Job Order Contract (JOC).

If you’re serious about positioning your business for upcoming projects, this is where you need to be.

This is more than a meet-and-greet—this is your chance to:

• Build relationships with decision-makers
• Introduce your firm and capabilities
• Get ahead of upcoming contracting opportunities

📍 April 9, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📌 BCOE Headquarters | Chicago

Seats are limited, and the right conversations could change your pipeline for the next three years.

Secure your spot now: https://tinyurl.com/4zvrvp7s

Address

Springfield, IL
62701

Website

https://www.bcoechicago.org/scholarships

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