FROM STARTUP TO SCALE-UP: Leveraging business credit for expansion

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Unlock the secrets to fueling your company’s growth in this dynamic session on business credit! Whether you’re an entrepreneur just launching your venture or a business owner ready to scale, understanding and leveraging business credit is the game-changer that can set you apart. This session will demystify the fundamentals of business credit, reveal how to build and maintain a strong credit profile, and offer actionable strategies to access the capital you need for expansion—without risking your personal assets. Discover the hidden advantages of business credit, from negotiating better vendor terms to unlocking new funding opportunities and boosting your company’s credibility. Through real-world examples and practical tips, you’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, position your business for financial resilience, and use credit as a strategic tool for sustainable growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge and confidence to take your business from startup to scale-up—empowering you to turn your boldest ambitions into reality.

Facilitator: Kevin Lewis

SEO IN AN AI WORLD

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Is your website not getting the attention you deserve? No traffic. Not converting. Are you adapting your SEO efforts to combat Google's new AI-driven search results? Google has changed the game in organic rankings. If you haven’t noticed organic results are way below the fold. And you may ask yourself, “How will I compete without spending on ads?” You can with the right organic planning and execution. You can move your business content into Google’s AI results with the right strategy. Beat your competition to Learn how to adjust your 2025 SEO strategy with creative content and AI tools. We will discuss the continued redefining and redesigning of SEO in this AI world, how to future-proof your organic efforts, the free tools and when it may be necessary to pay, building converting content, getting the local SEO right, and much more. SEO isn’t dead, it has and will be redefined. Join us and start redesigning your SEO and AI approach.

Facilitator: Monica Hall

building scalable systems that last

1:45 - 2:30 PM

You’ve put in the work, built the foundation, and proven your business model, so now it’s time to take things to the next level. This workshop is designed specifically for seasoned entrepreneurs who are ready to refine their operations, scale intentionally, and position their business for long-term success.

In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to align your current operations with where your business is headed. You’ll learn how to identify which systems to strengthen or build, how to use documentation to delegate effectively, and how these practices tie directly into succession planning, even if you're not exiting any time soon.

Facilitator: Adriana Richardson

DATA DOESN’T LIE: USING ANALYTICS TO DRIVE BUSINESS DECISIONS

1:45 - 2:30 PM

In the age of digital entrepreneurship, your data is your compass. This hands-on workshop equips Black business owners with the skills to interpret key metrics, uncover hidden insights, and make informed decisions that drive growth. Whether you're running a service-based brand, e-commerce shop, or creative venture, you'll learn how to track what matters, avoid vanity metrics, and use free or low-cost tools like Google Analytics, Meta Insights, and Shopify dashboards to level up your strategy. Participants will walk away with a custom KPI map, a plug-and-play analytics toolkit, and the confidence to make data-backed moves that scale their business.

Let your numbers talk—and let your business thrive.

Facilitator: Candice Scarborough