—- Chamber Eyes Diaspora Partnerships, Business Financing Opportunities
The US–Liberia Chamber of Commerce has announced plans to participate as a special guest and sponsor in the African and Caribbean Business Council’s (ACBC) 18th Annual Winter Awards Dinner and Business Roundtable, scheduled for Nov. 20-21, 2026.
The event, organized under the theme “Diaspora as an Engine for the Economic Development of Africa and the Caribbean,” is expected to bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, public officials, international representatives and community stakeholders to explore opportunities for economic cooperation and investment. PROBE NEWSPAPER REPORTS.
Fredrick Samuel Gibson, president and CEO of the US–Liberia Chamber of Commerce, said the invitation represents an opportunity to strengthen business relationships, promote Liberian enterprises and connect entrepreneurs with institutions that can support sustainable business growth.
Gibson, who also serves as a policy analyst, criminologist and rehabilitation and recovery specialist, said the Chamber intends to use the gathering to establish practical connections that could benefit Liberian-owned businesses in the United States and Liberia.
According to the Chamber President, the two-day program is expected to feature an international business summit, roundtable discussions, a VIP reception and an awards dinner. Key areas of discussion are expected to include agriculture, energy, trade, market access, and investment.
The Chamber Chief Executive Officer said its participation would go beyond attendance, focusing on building relationships with lenders, investors, business support organizations, public agencies and diaspora entrepreneurs.
These connections, he added, could help business owners better understand financing requirements, prepare for cross-border trade and identify opportunities to expand their operations.
Chamber prepares ‘Meeting the Lenders’ program
As part of its broader effort to support entrepreneurship, the US–Liberia Chamber of Commerce is also preparing a Meeting the Lenders program for early to mid-December 2026.
He further revealed that the initiative is intended to bring business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs into direct discussions with lenders and other institutions that provide financing and business development support.
The Chamber President said participation in the ACBC gathering could help strengthen relationships with institutions and potential partners whose expertise and resources may contribute to the December initiative.
The program’s date, location, participating institutions, and registration details will be announced once they are confirmed.
Membership targets entrepreneurs and business owners
“The Chamber is inviting Liberians and non-Liberians to become members and participate in its efforts to promote entrepreneurship, business development, and access to financing,” he noted.
According to the organization’s CEO, members can receive support in clarifying business concepts, developing or improving business plans, identifying practical steps for growth, and preparing for discussions with potential funding partners.
Existing businesses seeking capital may also receive assistance in presenting their financing needs, pursuing appropriate introductions, and advocating for their proposals with lenders, grant programs, and other funding organizations.
However, the Chamber President emphasized that membership does not guarantee loans, grants, or investments, noting that each financing institution maintains its own eligibility requirements and makes independent funding decisions.
Instead, the organization said membership offers entrepreneurs a structured environment to improve their business readiness, strengthen proposals, and pursue relevant commercial connections.
Call for broader participation
Gibson is urging business owners, professionals, investors and community partners to contribute their expertise, networks and resources to the initiative.
He said entrepreneurs with business ideas should come forward, while existing business owners seeking capital are encouraged to share their needs and explore available support opportunities.
It also called on individuals and institutions with relevant experience to help build a credible and accessible network that supports business development.
The US–Liberia Chamber of Commerce said its broader goal is to transform professional relationships into business referrals, improve entrepreneurs’ readiness to secure financing and help promising ideas develop into sustainable enterprises that create jobs and economic value.
Through its planned participation in the ACBC gathering and the proposed Meeting the Lenders program, the Chamber aims to strengthen commercial ties between Liberia and the United States while connecting entrepreneurs to opportunities across Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider international economy.