US Black Chambers Acquires Former BET Campus

Ron Busby, Sr., a lifelong entrepreneur with a deep understanding of leadership and community building, is making a significant move to empower Black businesses. Through the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), he has spearheaded the acquisition of the former Black Entertainment Television (BET) Campus in Washington, D.C., transforming it into the USBC Innovation Campus.

A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Busby’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age, starting with a childhood venture selling donuts. Influenced by his father’s business acumen and his time as a member of the Black Panther Party, he learned the importance of clear mission and community narrative. After a successful corporate career at Coca-Cola, Busby transitioned to entrepreneurship, eventually scaling his family’s business, USA Superclean, from $150,000 to $21 million in annual revenue.

Since founding the USBC in 2009, Busby has focused on five key pillars: advocacy, access to capital, contracting, entrepreneur training, and chamber development. This latest acquisition represents a major step forward in fulfilling the organization’s mission.

The USBC Innovation Campus: A Hub for Black Enterprise

The newly acquired BET Campus, spanning 7.88 acres and including three buildings, is being rebranded as the USBC Innovation Campus. This significant acquisition, supported by an investment of over $38 million, is seen as a symbol of Black creativity, ownership, and media power, inspired by BET founder Robert L. Johnson. Busby credits the funding to corporate investments in the Black community following George Floyd’s death in 2020, emphasizing the USBC’s commitment to using these resources for substantial, long-term impact.

The campus will serve as the USBC headquarters and a central hub for media, workforce development, wellness, and entrepreneurship. It aims to provide budding entrepreneurs with crucial resources, including incubator spaces, training programs, and access to capital. Busby highlighted the strategic importance of acquiring a physical asset like this, ensuring the USBC’s relevance and ability to support Black businesses regardless of political administration or funding fluctuations.

A Commitment to Black Venues and Businesses

The USBC Innovation Campus will also house the National Bankers Association, representing all 19 Black-owned banks. Additionally, a 78,000-square-foot studio space will be available for podcasters, events, conferences, and concerts, providing much-needed venues for Black creators and businesses. Busby noted that the USBC spent nearly $900,000 on event spaces in 2023 alone, underscoring the value of having their own dedicated facilities.

Busby expressed a strong commitment to Washington, D.C., aiming to create comfortable and accessible spaces for Black businesses and organizations like AFROTECH™ to thrive. This initiative aligns perfectly with AFROTECH™’s mission to connect Black technologists, founders, and creators, fostering a community where Black businesses can flourish both now and in the future.