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CHARLOTTE - The Charlotte Chamber said its year-long study of minority-owned businesses in the region of the state is the most comprehensive look ever at companies owned by African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and women.

The chamber, UNC Charlotte and Pride Magazine rolled out the results at a news conference Tuesday. The study stems from interviews with dozens of minority business owners, including Troy Coleman, a business consultant who helps clients trim overhead.

"A little less than half of my business have come from those minority owned companies that I've tried to do business with," said Coleman.

Coleman said it is difficult for minority businesses to get a foothold while battling discrimination, trouble accessing capital and difficulty connecting with other companies. The chamber's study shows the 50,000 minority-owned businesses in the metro area operate in a wide range of industries, from technology to construction.

"It is critical for our city's future that we incorporate all of the cylinders, to use a car analogy, all of the cylinders of our economic engine so that we can be as strong as possible," said chair of the Charlotte Chamber Frank Emory.

Participants say too often the minority business community is overlooked and that is why the study is an important first step toward the future of Charlotte's economy.