About Us

Building Connections. Creating Opportunities. Strengthening Businesses.

For more than two decades The Business Council has connected entrepreneurs, business owners, corporations, and community partners through programs, advocacy, and strategic relationships that foster economic growth and opportunity.

Meet Our Team

Who We Are

The Business Council (TBC) is a 501(c)(3) business membership organization dedicated to expanding economic growth and supporting business aspirations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. As a catalyst for connection and opportunity, TBC develops high-quality resources, education, and tools that empower ethnically diverse businesses and corporate members while cultivating meaningful relationships, strategic partnerships, and pathways for business growth.

How We Support Business Success 

At The Business Council, we believe that strong businesses build strong communities. Through targeted programs, strategic partnerships, advocacy efforts, and access to growth-focused resources, we help entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporate members navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success. Our approach is centered on creating meaningful connections, advancing equitable access to opportunities, and providing the tools and support businesses need to grow, compete, and thrive in today’s marketplace.

Business Development

The Business Connection Program offers a way for our ethnically-diverse business members to strategically connect with corporate partners and other ethnically-diverse businesses. Whether our members participate in our Module, focused matchmaking or one-on-one support, we are committed to helping our member businesses grow.

Advocacy

TBC has identified barriers of growth for ethnically-diverse businesses and establishes goals to address these barriers in the private and public sectors to increase prosperity among its members and the minority business community.

Inclusion

As a member of TBC, you also have the option to participate in the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) membership and their additional programming for a flat fee.

Growth Resources

The Business Connection Program’s goal is to accelerate the growth of TBC members by connecting them to corporations and other members. The Business Connection Program (formerly the Supplier Diversity Module) brings together TBC members with corporate, medium to large public-sector firms and small businesses to explore business opportunities and relationships.

Our Impact in Numbers

$400M+

Business spend facilitated through the Business Connection Module.

80+

Businesses and organizations in our network.

20+ YEARS

Supporting business growth and economic inclusion.

100%

Focused on business growth.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Are you a charity?

We are not a charity, chamber, or regional council, we are a membership association.

What is your relationship with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)?

We leverage our relationship with the MMAC by cultivating business opportunities for our members to enhance economic growth in communities across Wisconsin. This ultimately leads to increased revenue generation, larger workforce, and increased education that not only strengthen the state of Wisconsin but throughout the nation.

How are your resources allocated?

Resources are dedicated to help fund our programs, technical assistance rendered by subject-matter experts and our overall operations.

Our Team

While our team is small, our impact is strengthened through collaboration. Working alongside our Board of Directors, corporate partners, community organizations, and subject-matter experts, we are committed to helping businesses build meaningful connections, strengthen their capacity, and achieve long-term success.

Marjorie Rucker

Marjorie Rucker

Executive Director

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Sylvester Hamilton

Sylvester Hamilton

Program Manager

Sylvester is the Program Manager at The Business Council, Inc., where he works to strengthen businesses by connecting entrepreneurs and organizations with resources, strategic partnerships, and opportunities for growth. He is passionate about economic development and helping businesses navigate access to capital, technical assistance, and networking opportunities that support long-term success.

Outside of his professional role, Sylvester is an entrepreneur, a Prince Hall Mason, and the founder of the Squarez & Stykz Cigar Club. He enjoys creating meaningful experiences that bring people together through fellowship, leadership, and community engagement while pursuing innovative business ventures and brand development.