Black Commerce offers a variety of engaging, interactive, and entertaining panels and sessions with nationally recognized leaders. These sessions will elevate intergenerational conversations about Black entrepreneurship while highlighting notable HBCU alumni in business, tech, entertainment, and education. For BTS co-founders Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, this event is more than just a gathering; it’s a movement. “As we gather for the Second Annual ‘Black Commerce: The Future of Entrepreneurship’ Conference on Juneteenth weekend in the DMV, we stand on the brink of a transformative moment. Black Tech Saturdays is more than an event; it’s a movement. We are here to ignite a powerful wave of innovation, build community wealth, and celebrate the boundless joy of Black excellence in technology,” said Johnnie.
Richard Bynum, chief corporate responsibility officer for The PNC Financial Services Group, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “We are proud to continue our support for the Center and its important work, including its cornerstone, annual Black Commerce Conference. This event showcases our shared dedication to advancing economic equity and uplifting the next wave of Black entrepreneurs. By fostering collaboration and innovation with HBCUs, we’re furthering our efforts to ignite impactful transformations in communities nationwide.”
Detroit, known for its rich history and strong community ties, has one of the largest Howard Alumni associations. This connection makes it natural for BTS to join forces in promoting economic advancement for the Black community through entrepreneurship. “This conference is a calling card to all Black founders and tech enthusiasts: our time is now. As we prepare for our summer kick-off in Detroit on June 29th, let this gathering be a beacon of hope and progress. Together, we will galvanize support, forge meaningful connections, and drive the creation of a more equitable tech future. Join us in this journey—let’s build a world where our dreams in tech not only thrive but inspire generations to come,” said Johnnie.
Session and Workshop Tracts at the conference will cover critical topics such as:
- AI: Funding Black AI Founders for the Future
- For the Culture: Creating Space for Black Entrepreneurship in Media
- Fireside Chat: Building A Wealth Plan: Lessons in Investing, Technology, and Entrepreneurship
- More Than Independent: Creating A Business as A Creative Entrepreneur Panel
- Building Public-Private Partnerships to Economically Empower Our Communities
- From Startup to Exit: Growing Towards Acquisition
- From NIL to Ownership: Controlling our Destiny Beyond the Playing Field
The Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, established in 2021 through a five-year, $16.8 million grant from the PNC Foundation, supports expanded opportunities for Black entrepreneurship with educational, leadership, and capacity-building resources. This center is part of a larger partnership aiming to develop a network among the 101 HBCUs in the US, addressing structural dynamics that have historically marginalized Black entrepreneurs. The Pew Research Center’s 2024 analysis found that majority Black-owned companies constituted only 3% of all US businesses with identifiable racial and ethnic ownership. In DC, they made up 15% of all relevant companies, the largest share of any ethnic group in the district.
The PNC Foundation’s collaboration with Howard University began in the fall of 2021, a time when George Floyd’s murder prompted major corporations to commit to significant initiatives like PNC’s. This ongoing partnership, exemplified by the annual Black Commerce Conference, continues to drive impactful change, empowering Black entrepreneurs and fostering economic equity.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) hold a unique and irreplaceable role in the Black community. These institutions not only provide an educational sanctuary but also cultivate a nurturing environment where Black students can thrive academically and culturally. It is within the halls of HBCUs that the seeds of entrepreneurship should be firmly planted and nurtured. By integrating robust entrepreneurship programs, mentorship, and real-world business experiences into their curricula, HBCUs can equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel as entrepreneurs. This foundation is critical for fostering a new generation of Black business leaders who can drive economic empowerment and innovation within their communities.
The introduction to entrepreneurship at HBCUs must be more than theoretical; it should offer students a front-row seat to success. This involves access to resources such as startup capital, incubators, and connections to established Black entrepreneurs and investors. By providing these opportunities, HBCUs can ensure that their students are not only academically prepared but also practically equipped to launch and sustain successful ventures. Such exposure helps to normalize Black entrepreneurship, making it a viable and attractive career path. As these institutions continue to prioritize entrepreneurial education, they are shaping a future where Black entrepreneurship becomes a standard, rather than an exception, thereby contributing to the broader goal of economic equality and community development.
Detroit stands as a prime example of a city that has embraced and amplified the spirit of Black entrepreneurship. The city has become a hotbed for Black-owned businesses, driven by a supportive ecosystem that includes organization like Black Tech Saturdays. Detroit’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene showcases how a city can leverage its unique resources and community networks to support Black entrepreneurs. Initiatives in Detroit have provided aspiring Black business owners with access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, creating a thriving environment where innovation and economic growth go hand in hand. This momentum not only benefits the local economy but also serves as a model for other cities to follow in fostering Black entrepreneurship and economic advancement.
Detroit’s role in this national movement highlights the importance of local initiatives driving broader change. As BTS leads the charge during the Black Commerce Conference, the significance of economic advancement for the Black community through entrepreneurship is clear. This is a moment of profound potential and unity, laying the groundwork for a future where Black economic empowerment knows no bounds.
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