LinkedIn Local™ Durham: BLK BIZ Connect Get ready for an unforgettable morning of authentic connections, celebration, and community at LinkedIn Local™ Durham: Black Business Connect! Join us on the beautiful rooftop terrace of the Durham County Main Library, where we’ll bring together Black business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals from Durham and the Triangle area to celebrate BLK BIZ MONTH. This is your chance to network, share stories, and support the incredible Black businesses shaping our community—all in a welcoming and uplifting space. Make sure you have your LinkedIn profile up and ready to share with others at the event! Enjoy tasty sips and light bites while engaging in meaningful conversations that inspire collaboration, growth, and new opportunities. Whether you're an established business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who simply wants to learn more about and support Black businesses, this event is for you! Come ready to connect, celebrate, and elevate with like-minded professionals who believe in the power of community and the impact of intentional networking. We can’t wait to see you there!

THE BLK BIZ SUMMIT

Our flagship event is the BLK BIZ SUMMIT!

The BLK BIZ SUMMIT will be held Friday, August 2, 2024, from 9 am - 5 pm at the Chesterfield Center located at 701 West Main Street in Durham, NC 27701. The theme for this one-day summit is MENTAL WEALTH & BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP!

At the 2024 BLK BIZ SUMMIT, we unite under the powerful theme of 'Mental Wealth & Black Entrepreneurship,' embarking on a transformative journey that intertwines the prosperity of the mind with the pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence.

This one-day summit is designed to fortify the foundation of Black business owners through impactful sessions, inspiring speakers, dedicated mentors, dynamic exhibitors, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Together, we'll explore the symbiosis between mental well-being and business success, crafting a supportive ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs thrive, not just survive. Join us in nurturing a community where mental wealth is the cornerstone of entrepreneurial achievement.

GIVE FEEDBACK TO OUR BLK BIZ SUMMIT SPEAKERS

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE BLK BIZ SUMMIT?

Entrepreneurs will meet resource partners, economic funders, and engage with marketing techniques during the event.

Expect to branch out online and in person to build a sustainable network of resources to create a prosperous business.

The Summit is curated by Give it to the People® and will be hosted by NC's #1 Small Business Facilitator and Mental Wealth Life Stylist Chisa Pennix-Brown aka Lady Bizness. Sponsored by Durham Technical Community College Small Business Center.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE BLK BIZ SUMMIT?

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

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 free and open to the public.

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. You can choose which sessions you would like to attend upon arrival.

Is there a charge for attending?

No. Due to sponsorship for this event it is free and open to the public. However, registration is required.

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 29TH & 11th and DC 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 9:00 am and our BLK BIZ MARKET also starts at 9:00 am. We will start promptly at 9:30 am! Please be on time!

SHARE THE BLK BIZ SUMMIT

SHARE YOUR EXCITEMENT FOR BLK BIZ SUMMIT

We’re thrilled to have you join us for the 3rd Annual BLK BIZ SUMMIT! To help you share your excitement and spread the word, we’ve created a custom Canva template 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 2nd as we engage in Mental Wealth & Black Entrepreneurship. www.blkbizsummit.com."

We can’t wait to see your custom graphics and celebrate together!

CUSTOMIZE YOUR BLK BIZ GRAPHIC

LEAVE A VOICE MESSAGE

GET CERTIFIED

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.

SWUC CERTIFICATION FORM

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.

NCSBE CERTIFICATION FORM

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:

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.
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:

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.
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.

HELP MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS WITH YOUR DONATION

DOWNLOAD THE MEDIA KIT

BLK BIZ INITIATIVE

August of 2022 is when the BLK BIZ INITIATIVE officially started. We hosted the BLK BIZ SUMMIT at Durham Tech Small Business Center and took over the Bull City for a one-day event that brought together over 100 entrepreneurs and 20+ Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Partners. This event was our entry into the fabric of the legacy of the Black Wall Street that runs through North Carolina.

Our event was able to connect people to resources, marketing, loans and other funding opportunities. We also introduced our concept of Mental Wealth which featured our signature Meditation Room. The event was a success because we immediately filled a need in the community.

Our goal has always been to travel the event around the state and we were able to accomplish that goal in February of 2023 when we travelled to the rural count of Halifax with the BLK BIZ SUMMIT. The attendees were elated that an event of this caliber came to an area that typically has to travel and hour or more to gain access to these services.

We continued with our involved in the statewide program of Black Wall Street Foward as a part of the Durham Council. Over a six-month timeframe we were able to bring ideas and work to create an event that reimagines Black Wall Street in Modern terms. The culmination of all this activity has led to our ultimate goal of curating statewide events that bring together Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and sponsors to collaborate online and in person. This is an ongoing effort that far exceeds past our one day summits and brings accountability to those involved.