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What started as a small meeting among peers in the tech industry 10 months ago has grown into a recurring workshop with hundreds of participants aimed at helping Black professionals and entrepreneurs make connections, gain technical know-how, and launch and grow businesses. Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, founders of Black Tech Saturdays, say they wanted to address a key need that aspiring Black entrepreneurs in Michigan said they faced: lack of mentorship and knowledge. Read more about how Detroit's Black entrepreneurs create community and tackle barriers. #DetroitNews #BlackTech #LocalNews #TechNews #blackintech #blackinstem #blacktechsaturdays https://lnkd.in/eat3t9_F

We are thrilled to announce that The Boost Pad is one of the proud recipients of the $50,000 NC BEC ECOSYSTEM grant, awarded by NC IDEA and the North Carolina Black Entrepreneurship Council (NC BEC). This grant is part of a larger initiative where a total of $300,000 has been distributed among six partners across North Carolina, all committed to executing innovative and transformational ideas to elevate Black entrepreneurship. How The Boost Pad Will Utilize These Funds At The Boost Pad, we are committed to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs and fostering economic mobility within our community. This $50,000 grant will significantly enhance our ability to support Black entrepreneurs by: Expanding Our Programs: Developing and expanding our current programs to provide more comprehensive support to our participants, including workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. Enhancing Resources: Offering additional resources, such as access to cutting-edge technology, business development tools, and funding opportunities. Community Outreach: Increasing our outreach efforts to ensure more Black entrepreneurs are aware of and can benefit from our programs. Building Capacity: Hiring additional staff and experts who can provide specialized support to our entrepreneurs. We are incredibly grateful to NC IDEA and the NC BEC for their belief in our potential and for supporting our mission to elevate Black entrepreneurship in North Carolina. About NC IDEA Foundation NC IDEA is an independent private foundation committed to equitably empowering North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential. Through a powerful combination of competitive grants, programs, and a network of strategic partners, NC IDEA helps entrepreneurs when they need it most. The foundation’s resources are highly competitive, enabling support for North Carolina’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. NC IDEA believes that entrepreneurs transform communities and views its work as a catalyst for positive change. For more information about NC IDEA and their initiatives, please visit NC IDEA. We are excited about the opportunities this grant presents and are eager to implement our plans to support and elevate Black entrepreneurs in our community. Stay connected with us for more updates and success stories as we continue to nurture and celebrate entrepreneurial excellence. For more details on our programs and how we can help you achieve your entrepreneurial dreams, visit our website at The Boost Pad. Together, let’s make a difference. https://lnkd.in/eE692Vk9

A new study by LBS Professor Olenka Kacperczyk shows that Black entrepreneurs are finding success through intrapreneurship, facing fewer barriers compared to traditional entrepreneurship. Although Black Americans make up 14% of the population, Black-owned businesses represent only 3% of all US employer firms and just 1% of private sector revenue. Intrapreneurship offers a new path to startup success, with just a 2% performance difference between Black and White-led ventures over five years. Learn more about how intrapreneurship could be a game-changer for Black founders in Think: https://ow.ly/cWw150TQCtf #BlackHistoryMonth #Intrapreneurship

Tiffany Callender - Co-Founder and CEO of The Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE Coalition). In the ever-changing landscape of modern business, I believe the future of Black entrepreneurship is at the forefront of innovation, resilience and transformative growth. In recent years, there has been a shift toward more inclusivity and diversity, creating incredible opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Here's what I've learned about emerging trends and opportunities that can help support further success for Black entrepreneurs in the years ahead. 1. Embracing Technological Advancements As the world becomes more interconnected, embracing digital platforms, ecommerce and fintech solutions is becoming not just a trend but a necessity. 2. Amplifying Social Impact I believe that Black entrepreneurship is set to become a powerful force for positive social change. I recommend seizing this opportunity to create ventures that generate economic value and contribute to society's betterment by embedding sustainability considerations into all aspects of your business operations, from procurement and supply chain management to product design and packaging. Partner with suppliers and vendors who are committed to ethical and responsible business practices, including labor standards, environmental regulations and human rights principles. 3. Fostering Collaboration And Networking Other important elements for the future of Black entrepreneurship are collaboration and networking. I have found that building solid alliances within and beyond the community can help significantly with accessing resources, mentorship and business opportunities. In an era where partnerships drive innovation, Black entrepreneurs are establishing networks that go beyond traditional boundaries. Collaborative ecosystems are emerging, facilitating knowledge exchange and creating a supportive environment for the growth of Black-owned businesses. The government of Canada, in partnership with leaders of Black-led organizations, has established the Black Entrepreneurship Program to bolster the entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs by giving enhanced access to networks and resources. 4. Dismantling Barriers And Promoting Inclusivity As leaders, we should create environments that foster inclusivity and break down barriers that historically obstruct access to capital and opportunities. Creating inclusive environments and promoting diversity and equity require deliberate effort and ongoing commitment. A good starting point is to educate yourself and your team about the unique challenges Black entrepreneurs face and the broader issues of systemic racism and inequality. Another strategy is to ensure that your leadership team and decision-making bodies reflect diversity and inclusion. These steps can help create a level playing field where talent and innovation thrive regardless of background, race or color.

Our Nobellum team was proud to be a part of the Black Innovation Zone at the Elevate Festival. This event serves as a hub where entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders come together to push the boundaries of what's possible. The energy and the innovation on display was truly inspiring! We were especially proud to support the incredible founders from our Jamaican Delegation, who confidently pitched their ventures for award prizes. Their passion and drive reminded me of the importance of stepping out and making your mark. Putting yourself out there, whether it’s in front of a panel of investors or a room full of peers, takes guts—but it’s essential for growth. As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get caught up in the challenges of building a company, but moments like these reaffirm why we do what we do. Confidence in your vision and company is key. Trust in what you’re building, take those opportunities to showcase it, and watch your hard work open doors. To all founders out there: Keep pushing. Keep pitching. You never know when the next big opportunity will come your way! #ElevateFest2024 #Entrepreneurship

"Communities benefit from homegrown entrepreneurs." As this research demonstrates, black entrepreneurs are committed to strengthening their communities. Supporting this work is a great way to make the world a better place. The ConnectUP! Institute is a local St. Paul-based nonprofit doing this work. I highly recommend getting to know more about them and their mission to make a more equitable business ecosystem. #ConnectUP, #MNEntrepreneur, #BIPOCEntrepreneur, #InclusiveEconomy

Did you know that Black female entrepreneurs have dominated the business climate, representing roughly 2.1 million businesses and 52.1% of all Black-owned enterprises? This month marks National Black Business Month and Black-owned businesses are overcoming challenges to build supportive networks and shaping their communities to prosper. These incredible entrepreneurs are paving the way for future generations. Read how they’re championing change and innovation in this article from Word In Black: https://lnkd.in/gNC_gvDZ #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #Innovation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #NationalBlackBusinessMonth

💬 Social entrepreneurs are not just transforming communities; they are redefining the very fabric of our society through innovation, resilience, and a commitment to equity. We couldn't agree more with this powerful statement, beautifully captured in Ebony Flake's recent article. At Blue Jaa Management, we are proud to partner with visionary leaders like Austin Talbert-Loving, Chief Egunwale Fagbenro Amusan, and Michael Phillips—individuals who embody the essence of social entrepreneurship and community upliftment. Together, we are committed to driving meaningful change, aligning our efforts with organizations and entrepreneurs who share our passion for impact, diversity, and inclusion. #QuoteOfTheDay #SocialImpact #Entrepreneurship #DiversityAndInclusion #BlueJaaManagement #CommunityTransformation

Intrapreneurship emerges as a beacon of hope for narrowing the racial wealth gap, offering Black entrepreneurs a platform with fewer discriminatory hurdles. #Intrapreneurship #RacialWealthGap #EconomicInclusion #CorporateInnovation https://lnkd.in/dgTzEiVi

🚀 Elevating Bold Ideas at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs (RICE)! 🚀 This week, I had the incredible privilege to deliver a dynamic pitching workshop at RICE in Atlanta, preparing their stakeholders for Pharrell's Black Ambition 'No Pressure' Pitch Competition 🎤 which they are in partnership with on this venture.✨ With around 45 ambitious entrepreneurs in the room, we dove deep into the art of the one-minute pitch. This wasn't just any elevator pitch—this was a high-stakes, high-impact pitch designed to answer a critical question: Why should the judges invest in your business? 🧐 Crafting a compelling narrative in just 60 seconds is no easy feat. It takes precision, passion, and a whole lot of preparation. We focused on three key elements: 1. Mindset: Cultivating the confidence and presence needed to make a lasting impression. 2. Structure: Organizing their ideas to hit all the right notes within the time limit. 3. Content: Ensuring their pitch clearly communicates their unique value proposition. 4. Delivery: Mastering the art of engaging and persuasive delivery to captivate the judges. The energy in the room was electric ⚡, with every stakeholder committed to showing up, supporting each other, and refining their pitches to perfection. They're ready to bring their A-game on Friday, August 23rd! 🏆 🌟 BLACK AMBITION is more than just a competition—it's a movement to fund bold ideas and uplift Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Partnering with RICE, this event is set to be the highlight of the year. 🔑 Details: + Each competitor has 60 seconds to pitch + 1st Prize: $15,000 + 2nd Prize: $5,000 + 3rd Prize: $3,000 📝Eligible applicants consist of Black and Hispanic innovators building early-stage ventures across five distinct categories: - Consumer Products and Services - Healthcare - Media and Entertainment - Technology - AI Thank you to Dawn Sizemore, PhD, Shanda I. Monica Delores Hooks, MBA, EDP for organizing the sessions. Also great to see Jay Bailey RICE's fabulous CEO drop by to say hello. Let's wish all those incredible, dedicated, and committed black business owners all the best at the Pitch Competition. #BlackAmbition #Entrepreneurship #PitchingSuccess #Innovation #RICEAtlanta