We advance
opportunity
and build pathways
for success through
collaboration.
ABOUT AABCA
The Advancing American Business & Contractors Association (AABCA) was founded in 2022 in St. Louis by Makal Ali to make sure small businesses, contractors and workers get a fair shot at public and private projects. In 2025, AABCA became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which lets us partner with funders, public agencies and community groups across Missouri and the nation.
Today AABCA is a civic and advocacy organization. We monitor how public development dollars are spent, speak up for programs that open doors to small and disadvantaged businesses, connect residents to jobs in the trades and show up for our neighborhoods through #AABCACares.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. Yet in St. Louis, the neighborhoods that need investment the most, in North St. Louis and along the path of the May 16, 2025, tornado, too often see the least of the work when public dollars arrive. Local contractors face the same barriers small firms face everywhere: limited access to capital, costly compliance rules and bonding requirements, and trouble finding and keeping workers. AABCA works to remove those barriers so the people who live in a neighborhood can help build it.
IN MEMORY
Makal Ali, cofounder and president of AABCA, believed the people who build St. Louis deserve a fair shot at the work. He spent his life opening doors for small contractors and young people entering the trades. AABCA carries his mission forward. Gifts in his name support his vision for youth apprenticeship.
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OUR BOARD
AABCA is led by a volunteer board with deep experience in construction, business, public service and community leadership.
We want shared
prosperity for
America's small
business
enterprises.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
The Advancing American Business & Contractors Association (AABCA) has launched a Contracting Accountability Watchlist to track participation levels of small businesses, contractors, service providers, and emerging entrepreneurs on major development projects.
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This initiative was created in response to ongoing concerns about limited access and participation in public and publicly supported projects. AABCA is particularly focused on ensuring that qualified businesses—regardless of size or background—are given a fair opportunity to compete, contribute, and grow.
Despite significant public incentives, many projects fail to meet even minimal participation benchmarks. “Good faith efforts” are no longer enough. Transparency, accountability, and measurable results are required.
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AABCA remains committed to monitoring progress, engaging stakeholders, and advocating for fair and competitive opportunities on every project. Regular updates will be provided, and our efforts will continue until clear and lasting improvements are achieved.