Hospitality Entrepreneurs
The Center for Black Innovation (CBFI), and Black Brand were among the more than 30 organizations worldwide with which Airbnb partnered for the 2024 Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy. Launched in South Africa in 2017 to support education in hospitality and technology for residents from under-resourced areas in rural communities, the Academy gives entrepreneurs skills, practical tools and support to become Hosts on Airbnb and earn extra money. The program includes introductory information on the Airbnb platform, hosting best practices, and how to get started. , Airbnb reports that in the US alone, Hosts earned more than $24 billion in supplemental income in 2023.
Creatives and Filmmakers
Black Writers Weekend, billed as he largest annual gathering for literary creatives and filmmakers in the U.S. Southeast, is scheduled to take place in-person and virtually, August 1-4, at the Riverside EpiCenter in Austell, Ga. Founded by Tamika Newhouse, CEO of the weekend’s organizer, African Americans On The Move Book Club Inc., (AAMBC Inc.) and a trailblazer in black fiction, Black Writers Weekend is designed to celebrate and uplift black storytelling in all its forms. Its diverse range of programming includes live readings, thought-provoking panels, master classes led by industry experts, and screenings of impactful films by black filmmakers, and workshops and clinics tailored specifically for aspiring authors and filmmakers.
Black Women
The 2024 Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT) takes place August 2–4 at McCormick Place, Chicago. The direct-to-consumer weekend event, considered the country’s largest expo for Black women and their families, features themed resource pavilions, including Health & Wellness; Food & Nutrition, Finance & General Wealth, as well as a small-business marketplace and corporate exhibitors. Now in its 29th year, BWe NEXT was created by Merry Green, president of MGPG Events Inc.
Black Brands
The annual Building Black Business Brands Products and Technology Expo takes place August 23-24 at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Diana Beach, Fla. The Expo connects local Black-owned business brands and products to resources, tools, and information for growth and long-term sustainability. Go to the above link to become a vendor or to purchase tickets.
Pitch Competition
July 31 is the deadline for U.S. small businesses to apply for the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)’ 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition. The nationwide competition offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of industry experts and win up to $20,000, while gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to propel their business to new heights, all at no cost. The nationwide competition will include in-person pitch events hosted in Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles and Des Moines, Iowa, in addition to an online / virtual contest. Top pitches from each of the five events will receive financial awards provided by the event’s premier sponsor, Global Atlantic Financial Group: $20,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third place. For rules and eligibility or to apply, go to the contest page on SCORE’s website.
Partnerships For Summer Camp
HBCYouth, an Atlanta-based educational summer day camp for minority youth ranging in age from pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade, partnered with Amazon Access, to help foster positive change and promote access to education, nutrition, and workforce development. Founded in 2023 by Brian Wright, a Morehouse graduate and co-founder of Six Degrees Marketing Agency, Camp HBCYouth is based on the principles and values of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including higher learning, stewardship, leadership, life readiness, preparation, and diversity. Tennessee State University and Morehouse College are housing this year’s camp sites, with additional sponsorship support provided by Foot Locker and the AJ Terrell Foundation.
