schedule | Monday, AUGUST 7
full-day Conference Kickoff
greater richmond convention center
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM (15 Min)
Keynote
Rooted: A Conversation about the History of Richmond in Black America and Black Entrepreneurship
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM (30 Min)
Understanding the role that Richmond and Jackson Ward play in the history of Black America and Black Entrepreneurship in America
Session I
L E A R N
What Type of Capital?
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (45 Min)
We talk frequently about needing capital to fund our businesses, but how do you know what type of capital and when to obtain it? Join these panelists as they discuss the most common forms of capital and what's needed to obtain it.
G R O W
Small Business Grants / Accelerators & Incubators
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (45 Min)
We've all seen the grant applications, heard about the accelerators, applied to the incubator programs. But what does it all really mean, and is it worth the time? Moreso, how do you successfully apply for these programs? What better way to get clarity than from those who have not only had success applying for these opportunities, but those who are at the table reviewing applications to determine who gets in. Get the inside scoop!
O W N
Leveraging Your Business to Develop Generational Wealth
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (45 Min)
Many of us say we want to start a business to create generational wealth, but what does that mean in practice? What are practical strategies to generate wealth leveraging your business? And of course, how does estate planning come into play? Yes, we're saying the quiet parts out loud. Don't miss this one!
Session II
L E A R N
If You Don't See it, Should You Build It?
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (45 Min)
Successful businesses meet a need. But sometimes, that need is only specific to a small group of people, and may not amount to a business. Learn from those who have been on both sides: building a successful business out of a need and launching a business out of a perceived need, only to learn it wasn't enough to sustain a business.
G R O W
Lessons from the Trenches
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (45 Min)
Do you ever see someone who's been successful in business and wished you could sit at their feet and absorb everything they know? This is your time. We've got some powerful panelists who will give you an inside look at the business tips and secrets that have been most impactful in their business journey. You won't want to miss this!
O W N
Is the Why Real?
Asking the Tough Questions about Continuing Your Business or Continuing to work in the business
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (45 Min)
There comes a point in every entrepreneur's journey where the work gets overwhelming and they question whether it's time to wind down the business. It isn't a simple yes or no answer, but it is important to always true back to your why, and more importantly, assess whether the answer to the question is about you working in the business or about the business continuing. Our panelists will share their journeys to the answer to the question, and the key things that helped them make the call.
Lunch
L E A R N
Emerging Markets: Cannabis
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM (45 Min)
Cannabis is becoming legalized in increasingly more states. But what does that mean for an entrepreneur? Listen to industry experts talk more about the variety of entrepreneurial opportunities in this field.
G R O W
Emerging Markets: Tourism as a Business
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM (45 Min)
We think of tourism as hospitality and accommodations, events, but it is so much broader than that. Learn more about the opportunities that exist in tourism as a business, and how you can build a successful business in this emerging market.
O W N
Emerging Markets: Web3
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM (45 Min)
Web3, Metaverse, Virtual Reality. . . what does it all mean? And more importantly, how do we think about it within the context of running our businesses? Learn more about Web3 and how Black businesses may want to consider embracing it as part of their business models.
Session III
L E A R N
Navigating the Creator Economy
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM (45 Min)
More people are learning how to monetize their hobbies and passions and turn them into side hustles while others are launching with the intent to create viable businesses. Our panel of creatives will share their journey & tips on how to be successful in a creator economy.
G R O W
Are Your Systems in Place?
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM (45 Min))
The fun part of business is the public facing side, the sale of products or services, the acquistion of customers. But none of that is possible if you don't have good, efficient systems in place, which requires re-evaluation at every stage. Learn more about how to set up those tools, evaluate them and make the investment to support your growth and success.
O W N
Doing Well, Doing Good
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM (45 Min)
You've built your business, grown it to a sustainable place, and now are wondering what it takes to bring in a nonprofit component. What would that look like? What are the potential paths to doing good while doing well, and what are some things to consider before making this move?
session iv
B2B Connect
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM EDT (1 Hour, 30 Min)
Use this time to get to know others in your industry. This is a casually moderated discussion to talk about challenges you may be experiencing and connect with those who can help you solve them. Breakouts will be held for Hospitality, Personal Services, Professional Services and Retail.
Hospitality Industry
Personal Services Industry
Professional Services Industry
Retail Industry
session v
Closing
Fireside Chat: Angel Gregorio
Founder, The Spice Suite & Black + Forth
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM (45 Min)
The let out
5:30 - 7:30 PM (2 Hours)
Enjoy post conference networking over music and light bites. Solidify those new connections before heading back to your hometown to launch, grow or scale your business.