THE 5TH ANNUAL BLK BIZ SUMMIT 8.7.26
Year five isn’t about making noise, it’s about making impact. After half a decade of elevating Black entrepreneurs across North Carolina, the BLK BIZ Summit returns with the resounding theme, The Influence Is Real. This isn’t a conference. It’s a trust-built ecosystem, a sustainability engine, and a catalyst for economic influence that uplifts founders, strengthens communities, and fuels measurable growth.
On August 7th from 10 AM–3 PM, join us at the BLK BIZ Summit, a curated, action-oriented experience designed to empower entrepreneurs at every stage. Across keynote talks, expert-led sessions, and strategic networking, we dive into practical strategies for sustainability, funding readiness, scaling with purpose, and building trust in markets that matter. This is where founders get the tools to stop surviving and start thriving, with clarity and confidence rooted in real results.
Over five years, BLK BIZ Summit has become more than an annual gathering, it’s a trusted anchor in North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s where relationships turn into partnerships, ambition turns into action, and influence turns into measurable community impact. Attendees will leave not just inspired, but equipped with strategies, connections, and momentum to grow businesses that last.
Come ready to expand your influence, strengthen your business foundation, and be part of an ecosystem that believes in economic empowerment for Black entrepreneurs and the people who support them.
2026 BLK BIZ SUMMIT Q&A
Does each person need to register individually?
YES. We are tracking our demographics. This helps us to make this event more sustainable for our sponsors.
Do I need to attend the entire day?
No, you can attend the entire day, or you can pick and choose which workshops will fit your schedule.
Do I need to select my workshop prior to attending?
No. All workshops are consecutive for the entire audience.
Is there a charge for attending?
Yes. The event is $150 plus applicable taxes and fees.
Will there be photography and videography at the event?
Yes. By registering, you are agreeing to be photographed or in video at this event in a crowd capacity. Should you wish not to take any individual photos or videos we will not require you to do so.
We have now added in Still Shots Photography to capture video and images at the event.
What is the capacity of this event?
Our goal is to reach 100 attendees and seating is first come first serve. Please register early and arrive on time the day of the event. Day of registration will begin at 9:30 am. We will start promptly at 10 am! Please be on time!
- Aspiring Black entrepreneurs seeking foundational knowledge and resources
- Established Black business owners looking to expand their networks and explore new growth opportunities
- Veterans interested in transitioning to entrepreneurship with a focus on leveraging their unique skills and experiences
- Seniors exploring entrepreneurship as a new chapter in their professional lives
- Tech enthusiasts and innovators looking for community and collaboration within the Black entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Influencers and content creators aiming to monetize their platforms and expand their reach through effective marketing strategies
- Individuals interested in obtaining HUB/MWBE certification to access new business opportunities
- Product developers seeking insights on market validation, branding, and customer engagement
- Virtual Assistants looking to specialize in supporting Black-owned businesses and expand their service offerings
- College students and recent graduates eager for internships and mentorship opportunities within Black-owned businesses
- Community partners and organizations with resources to support Black entrepreneurs in various stages of their business journey
2025 BLK BIZ SUMMIT SPEAKERS
SHARE YOUR EXCITEMENT FOR BLK BIZ SUMMIT
We’re thrilled to have you join us for the 4TH Annual BLK BIZ SUMMIT! To help you share your excitement and spread the word, we’ve created a custom just for you.
Simply add your photo, name, and business to the template, and voilà—you’ll have your very own marketing graphic! We’ll also feature your creation on our social media for free.
When you post, use: "I'm Going to the #BLKBIZSUMMIT! Join me on August 1ST as we "Experience The Energy". www.blkbizsummit.com."
We can’t wait to see your custom graphics and celebrate together!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNTIES
2024 BLK BIZ SUMMIT
The Statewide Uniform Certification Program (SWUC) was developed for the threefold purpose of streamlining the certification of historically underutilized businesses, provide a set of uniform standards and procedures through which firms could be certified, and provide for a single database that houses information for all firms certified to participate in Statewide Uniform Certification and any local minority business program.
SWUC Eligibility: Any business meeting the program standards outlined below is eligible to participate in the SWUC program. The standards are as follows:
- At least fifty-one percent (51%) of the business is owned by one or more persons who are members of at least one of the following groups: Black, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, Female, Disabled, or Disadvantaged.
- The management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more owners of the business who are members of at least one of the groups set forth in the groups above.
If you are interested in becoming a certified HUB firm, you must first register in the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), next apply for HUB Certification by submitting additional company information, and lastly, uploading all required documents.
The NCSBE Program was developed to provide access to contract opportunities that allow small businesses to compete against others that are comparably positioned in their industries and markets; as well as participate in department contracts if they meet the eligibility standards.
NCSBE Program Eligibility: Any small business meeting the Program standards outlined below is eligible to participate in the NCSBE Program. The standards are as follows:
- The business must be headquartered in North Carolina.
- The business’ annual net income does not exceed $1,500,000, after cost of goods sold is deducted.
- The business must have 100 or fewer employees.
- The business must be organized for profit.
DONATE TO OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
2024 BLK BIZ SUMMIT: Mental Wealth & Black Entrepreneurship
We have an incredible opportunity for you to make a lasting impact on the Black business community and contribute to the advancement of both entrepreneurship and mental wealth. The 2024 BLK BIZ SUMMIT is not just an event; it's a movement that aims to uplift, inspire, and equip Black entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed while prioritizing their mental well-being.
Why Your Support Matters:
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Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: By supporting the BLK BIZ SUMMIT, you are directly contributing to the growth and success of Black-owned businesses. Your contribution will help provide access to invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can transform entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
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Promoting Mental Wealth: Entrepreneurship often comes with its own set of challenges that can take a toll on mental health. We believe that mental wealth is just as important as financial success. Your donation will enable us to offer wellness workshops, counseling services, and resources aimed at nurturing the mental well-being of our participants.
Ways to Support:
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One-time Donation: A one-time donation allows you to make an immediate impact. Every dollar counts and will be put towards creating a transformative experience for our attendees. Your support will help cover event costs, workshops, speakers, and mental health resources.
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Monthly Contribution: Consider becoming a monthly donor, and join us in our ongoing commitment to the Black business community. Monthly contributions provide a steady foundation for us to plan and execute an exceptional summit. Even a small monthly amount adds up to significant support over time.