Touting growth, new programming and an upcoming Business and Economic Summit on Feb. 13, the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce is preparing for a strong 2026, as they work to bolster local businesses through innovative opportunities, partnerships and advocacy.
Alexander Austin, president and CEO of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce, is focused on advocating for the businesses the organization represents during this legislative session.
“We want to make sure we have balanced legislation at multiple levels that are fair for the business community and positive for the community as a whole. We promote access to capital, including alternative capital. When capital dries up, our businesses suffer. We are talking with equity firms and individual investors who have liquidity and interest in communities of color to invest,” Austin told The Informer.
He noted that federal measures and changes, such as with the Small Business Administration, particularly affect Prince George’s County residents.
“We are focused on fair and transparent procurement. Recent changes to the SBA’s 8a program will have more impact on our area than other parts of the country,” he continued. “We are creating goals and activities and actions to ensure that the business community is moving forward and supporting the broader community as well.”
Having served in his role since 2022, some of the highlights of Austin’s leadership have been the Equity in Procurement, a six-month business development and training program, and supporting nearly 300 enterprises with a Verizon small business grant.
“We reached out to over 100 companies who wanted to work with the program and we have around 30 members in both our first and second cohort. We are proud that some members of our first cohort have already secured their first contracts,” he said.
The chamber president also emphasized the importance of corporate partnerships in achieving organizational goals.
“I want to shout out CareFirst, the first corporation to support it financially and to provide assets to move us forward. Companies like Turner Whiting and Pepco, I’m so proud of,” he said. “We are excited to see what ecosystem we can build and to have our organizations partner with the chamber to reach their goals.”
During the chamber’s 2025 Excellence in Business Awards Gala, held at the MGM National Harbor, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy emphasized the importance of working with the organization to support local businesses.
“We want it to be known that doors are open to business in Prince George’s County,” Braveboy told The Informer, touting the chamber’s collaborative work and mission.
Empowering Businesses Through ‘Collective Work’
For Austin, leading the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce is about empowering business owners.
“The chamber is the number one advocate and supporter to grow business in the region,” he told The Informer. “When you talk legislation that can impact businesses, we are a voice to advocate.”
Celebrating his third anniversary as chamber president in early December, the organization touted Austin as a dedicated leader who offers “steadfast support” to members and the county’s broader business community, particularly through “strategic partnerships” and “creating space for collaboration and growth.”
“Over the past year, Alex’s leadership has continued to move the chamber forward—connecting Prince George’s County businesses to opportunity, resources, and one another,” the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce wrote in a statement. “This milestone reflects not only strong leadership, but the collective work of our members, board, partners, and staff.”
Jeimy Flournoy, owner of Salon 809, is one of the proud members of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce who feels uplifted by the organization’s work, programming and community efforts. During the association’s annual gala in October 2025, the chamber honored Flournoy’s salon as an emerging business.
“Being recognized by the chamber has been incredibly meaningful for us, especially as the first hair-only business to receive this level of recognition,” she said. “It provided validation that we are on the right path and affirmed the work we’ve been committed to in our industry and community.”
Austin touts the benefits of chamber membership to both new and existing businesses across the entire metropolitan region, not just in Prince George’s.
“Our membership has grown over the past years. New programming that grants access to sustainable funding and sustainable business,” said Austin. “We need that ongoing growth to keep a viable county.”
As the chamber plans the upcoming Business and Economic Summit on Feb. 13 at 4400 Forbes Boulevard in Lanham, Maryland, Austin also emphasized the organization’s multiple efforts to support local businesses.
“We also bring education and resources to the table. One of the most important things we focus on is staying focused on what is important to each business. We tailor those specific needs to what you say you need, not what we think you need.”
With Salon 809, which opened in 2015, flourishing today, Flournoy thanked the organization for expanding her entrepreneurial horizons.
“Our chamber membership has been invaluable. Through access to resources, educational opportunities, and increased exposure, we’ve been able to grow with greater confidence and clarity,” Flournoy told The Informer. “The chamber has created opportunities for learning, connection and visibility that have supported both our business development and our long-term vision.”
During the 2024 State of the Chamber breakfast, Braveboy spoke highly of both the Chamber and Austin’s tenure as CEO.
“I appreciate President Austin’s work and the continued growth of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce,” Braveboy said. “Congressman Steny Hoyer’s remarks around the changes that are happening at the federal level helped to highlight the importance of the Chamber and the need to have a strong and vibrant local business community.”
For more information or to register for the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce Business and Economic Summit on Feb. 13, go to eventbrite.com.