In addition to providing a unified voice and a single-point source for business support, mentoring, networking and information, Styles said the chamber will provide a "comfort level" for black entrepreneurs that might not exist at other chambers. It also will work to gather a database of information about how many black business owners there are in the state, what they're doing and how.

Community leaders are applauding the organization and its objectives.

Nancy Mitchell, executive director of the Salt Lake Chamber's Women's Business Center, said, "This will bring forward more business role models, and this is a wonderful way for black businesses to network and support each other.

"Hopefully it will give more emphasis and opportunity for earlier stage companies to be mentored as they get involved in applying for government contracts. The Utah Black Chamber of Commerce will get people involved and will lead them toward involvement with other organizations like our own."

Eventually, Styles said he'd like to see the various chambers merged into one.

"The entrepreneurial spirit in the black community is ready to take off," Styles said. "But I see it taking off with the participation of everyone — the community, the Hispanic and Asian chambers, the state. In 10 years, I'd like to see 5,000 additional businesses from all communities, working in partnership with each other."

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E-mail: jnii@desnews.com