The African American Trade Association is a non-profit organization that bridges the health and wealth divide by connecting people, businesses, and communities to the tools, resources, and relationships that create generational prosperity.
Build Your Future Now
At the African American Trade Association, we are building a future where economic mobility, health, and opportunity are accessible to all. Grounded in decades of operating experience and guided by a commitment to accountability and impact, AATA connects individuals and communities to real pathways forward. Through accelerated workforce training, small business support, and holistic services that address both health and wealth, we are working to close persistent gaps and create lasting, generational change.
Workforce Pathways
That Work For You
At the African American Trade Association, our programs are designed to do more than train individuals—they are built to create clear, supported pathways into sustainable careers and thriving businesses. We focus on high-demand industries where credentials can be earned quickly and translated directly into living-wage opportunities.
Each program is paired with comprehensive support, including career coaching, case management, and access to essential services like childcare, transportation, and mental health resources. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, we provide guidance on accessing capital, scaling operations, and navigating procurement opportunities.
Pillars of Impact
Community. Business. People.
Community
Programs and organizations that build generational health and wealth by combining asset-building strategies with wraparound services that support whole-person and family wellness.
Who we serve: Disenfranchised and low-income disadvantaged communities
Business
Market access plus technical and operational assistance that empowers small businesses to grow and scale sustainably, leveraging strategic partnerships with government and industry.
Who we serve: Small and minority-owned businesses seeking to do business with government and industry.
People
Innovative workforce solutions co-designed with industry and education partners to meet immediate hiring needs, while developing a credentialed pipeline of job-ready talent.
Who we serve: Any person wanting to learn and grow professionally, personally, and spiritually, including youth and young adults ages 16–26, veterans, justice-involved people, and un/underemployed individuals.
Resilience through Perseverance
We have more than 30 years of trusted leadership in community growth and economic resilience.
AATA has provided trusted, accountable leadership that delivers measurable results for businesses, workers, and communities. Guided by experienced leaders with deep industry knowledge and lived community expertise, AATA has maintained strong governance, transparent decision-making, and consistent fiscal oversight.
Our longevity reflects not only organizational stability, but a proven ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while remaining mission-driven. Through sustained partnerships, program delivery, and advocacy, AATA leadership has demonstrated a track record of turning strategy into outcomes: strengthening economic resilience, expanding opportunity, and earning the trust of the communities and stakeholders we serve.
Our Partners
290 years, nearly three centuries, is the amount of time some researchers suggest it will take to close the Black-white wealth gap at current economic and policy trends. A stark reminder that without structural change, inequality persists across generations.
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“As I’ve said before, I’ve never worked a job — a career — like this. Anything remotely like it. I graduated high school and I got a few college credits, but I wasn’t really good at math because I never had anything to apply it to. So I was actually pretty doubtful. But being able to do this stuff and to be hands-on — and watch myself grow within the trade itself — has been huge for me just confidence-wise.”
Damaris Hall
AATA Electrical Apprentice -
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“I learned, first of all, time management And working on Job sites during the program really meant learning how to be accountable for myself. That accountability, I’d say, is the biggest thing I’ve taken away from the program. Ive also learned Physical skills, How not to shock myself! That’s for sure. A lot of the main panels I opened were broken or busted down, but the homeowners still wanted solar panels so I had to figure that out. Problem-solving, for sure.”
Layton Tennison
AATA Electrical Apprentice -
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"We loved getting to see the program in action and the opportunity to meet the students and program instructors bringing it to life. I continue to be so impressed that the students are taking advantage of such an impactful program and opportunity."
Liz Jeralds
Denver Broncos, Director of Community Impact -
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"I really enjoyed my visit. You all are doing such a wonderful job with the students and the program. These students are blessed to be in your program."
Ms. Donelson
Denver Public Schools
