TechTown Detroit, the entrepreneurship hub for Wayne State University, is gearing up to host the third annual Black Business Reunion: Uniting the Community for Prosperity, presented by Ally. Scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center, this day-long event aims to celebrate and recognize the city’s Black entrepreneurs during Black History Month.
The Black Business Reunion serves as TechTown’s flagship conference for both established and emerging Black entrepreneurs. It provides a platform for celebration, learning, and networking, with a diverse range of activities planned for attendees.
“The Black Business Reunion is reminiscent of the time when you visited your family in the south,” said Angeline Lawrence, Director of Entrepreneurial Education at Tech Town and Lead Organizer of the event. “You are welcomed with good food, great music, and love. During this event, we are embracing the legacy businesses that weathered economic storms to thrive in this city. On the other hand, we are uplifting our emerging businesses so we can all come together and network and learn from each other.”
The event will feature two insightful panels. The first panel will showcase established and successful Black entrepreneurs, sharing their experiences and insights with the audience. The second panel will highlight emerging entrepreneurs from Detroit, offering inspiration and guidance to those on the entrepreneurial journey.
A fireside chat is also scheduled, featuring Marlo Rencher, Ph.D., president of Detroit Means Business, and Mark Douglas, president of Avis Ford. This engaging conversation promises to provide valuable perspectives on business and entrepreneurship in the city. “The panels and fireside chat are designed to provide valuable insights and advice from experienced business owners to emerging entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of intergenerational knowledge sharing and support within the community,” said Tech Town Program Manager Nicholas Slappey.
In addition to the panels and fireside chat, attendees can explore a resource fair hosting more than a dozen business service organizations. This presents an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with valuable resources and support networks within the community.
“Detroit, a maker’s city, has influenced the fabric of the nation and the world. With events like this, we’re reminded of our city’s impact,” said Raina Baker, Outreach and Engagement Manager with Tech Town. “We see ourselves in our predecessors; we pay homage to them, recognizing that we can’t go forward without looking back. Models change, platforms change, business names change and buildings change, but the spirit of creating where something didn’t exist, filling a gap, and solving a challenge in our community is perpetual and powerful. You’ll experience that at the Black Business Reunion event. You’ll connect to something greater than the individual experience.”
One of the highlights of the event is the conceptual pitch competition, where local high school juniors and seniors will compete for cash prizes totaling over $3,000. This competition not only fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young minds but also encourages innovation and creativity.
Attendance at the Black Business Reunion is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Those interested can register online and look forward to a continental breakfast and lunch provided during the event.
TechTown Detroit’s Black Business Reunion promises to be an inspiring and empowering event, bringing together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the contributions of Black businesses to the city’s economic landscape. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship and community prosperity.
To learn more about this event, visit https://techtown.zohobackstage.com/BlackBusinessReunion. To learn about future events designed to propel the community and Black business ecosystem in Detroit, visit https://techto
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