Leaders of the Chamber of Commerce and the Urban League said they are working together to help black businesses.
Ron Harr, of the Chamber, told members of the City Council that there are regular meetings between the two groups.
He said black membership in the Chamber has grown from around 20 to around 30.
Mr. Harr said there was discussion of setting up an African American unit of the Chamber, but he said the intent would not be to pull black members out of their current units.
He said Chattanooga had not been plugged into the Minority Supply Council, but is now.
He said that should provide some opportunities for black business owners.
He also said a website has been set up on boosting black businesses.
Maria Noel is heading the Chamber's effort to help minority business owners. An advisory group has been set up to help her, and it has met twice.
Mr. Harr said a major public event with a dynamic speaker is planned at mid-year to boost the effort.
He noted that Chattanooga has a very low percentage of businesses owned entirely by African Americans.
Mr. Logan said the two groups have found that one is strong in one area and the other in another.