Black Diamond Weekend kicks off on Thursday, November 1st. 10
Norfolk, Va. (WAVY) — Black entrepreneurs will take over downtown Norfolk Black Diamond Weekendfrom Thursday 10 November to Saturday 12 November.
Three-day business meeting offers 50 different sessions. These sessions are divided into different tracks, including Women in Leadership, Black Forbes List, High Street, Influence Studies, and The Arts of Possibly.
The courses include information on budgeting, real estate, cryptocurrency, the cannabis industry, and black art creativity.
Blair Durham, president of Black BRAND, wants to help minority owners stay in business.
“There are thousands of black-owned businesses on Hampton Roads,” Durham said. “If you compare to the percentage of the black population, we’re underrepresented.”
“When you look at the data for the third year, most businesses don’t exist. If we could help businesses get over it by providing access to knowledge. What a difference in Hampton Roads! I think we’ll see More jobs and more entrepreneurship. That’s why we exist! We want to see these businesses succeed.”
Black Diamond Weekend is celebrating its seventh year of helping business owners, students and retirees.
“A lot of times we just start with enthusiasm and we don’t know how to turn it into a business.”
Last week, Virginia Beach native and music icon Pharrell Williams hosted the Mighty Dream Forum.Through Williams’ Black Ambition Foundation, 31 different Black and Latino entrepreneurs received $2.5 million.
“It is now! We are seeing so many charities, governments, [and] The corporate support behind black entrepreneurship. Having him do things like this really just elevates and amplifies the work we do at Hampton Roads! “
“Working closely with the Mighty Dream Forum and the timing of the three-day event compared to ours,” Durham said. “Now for those who work every day. We’ve provided through this session some actionable steps they can take to get to what they want to build in 2023.”
Black BRAND awarded $4,000 in grants to three owners during the PitchBLACK competition. There is another game this Friday. “Part Two of PitchBLACK is a laser focused on tech entrepreneurs.”
Two tech companies will receive $6,500 in grants.
Those who complete the program will receive continuing education credits and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Tidewater Community College.
The conference will also conclude with the Diamond College Commencement Ceremony at the Roper Center for the Performing Arts.
“Attendees get more than just on-site value! For those who need these credentials, they can get them by attending this conference.”
Conference-only tickets are available until November 11. 7 with promo code WAVY.