The Equiliberty Community Impact Foundation (ECIF) is gearing up to host its highly anticipated 4th annual Black Entrepreneurs Week (BEW), an inspiring celebration dedicated to the vibrancy, resilience, and impact of Black-owned businesses in Houston. This year’s event, running from November 30 to December 7, 2024, promises to be bigger and bolder, offering a week packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.

With the support of prominent partners like Chase and Dell, BEW is designed to empower Black entrepreneurs and foster generational wealth through a mix of online and in-person events. From enlightening workshops and high-energy networking sessions to exclusive culinary experiences and live performances, this 8-day extravaganza aims to connect local entrepreneurs with the resources and capital they need to thrive in Houston’s dynamic business ecosystem.

A Week of Empowerment and Opportunity

Phillip Yates, CEO of ECIF, envisions BEW as more than just a festival. “Black entrepreneurs are a vital part of the Houston economy, and Black Entrepreneurs Week is a celebration of their resilience, innovation, and contributions,” he explains. “Our goal is to create a platform that brings together capital and resources, fostering economic growth for all residents of the Houston ecosystem.” 

BEW will host a variety of events tailored to support and celebrate Black entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. The lineup includes flagship events like the Black Wealth Summit, BEW Founders Day, and the exclusive Black Collective VIP Holiday Event. These marquee gatherings are crafted to spark meaningful conversations about wealth building, while providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to share their experiences and insights.

New Additions to the BEW Experience

This year, BEW is unveiling several new initiatives to further empower attendees:

- BEW Hack-A-Thon: A thrilling challenge designed to tap into Houston’s tech talent and encourage innovative problem-solving within the Black business community.

- Investor’s Roundtable: A unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain direct insights from seasoned investors and learn the nuances of securing capital.

- Small Business & Startup Pitch Competitions: Budding entrepreneurs will get the chance to showcase their ideas, with winners receiving funding and mentorship to bring their visions to life.

- Technology Activations: Cutting-edge tech demonstrations will help entrepreneurs understand how to leverage digital tools to scale their businesses.

- Inspirational Speaker Sessions & Expert Panels: Industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs will share their stories, offering valuable insights on navigating the business landscape.

For many attendees, these events will be instrumental in building a foundation for financial growth. “We’re going to take this demographic in Houston from financial literacy to financial health to financial wealth,” says Kisha Porch, Managing Director at JPMorganChase. “At the end of the day, we deserve the same opportunities as everyone else and the tools to sustain it.”

Spotlight on Houston’s Entrepreneurial Hubs

BEW 2024 will also shine a spotlight on Houston’s numerous business resources, from co-working spaces and incubators to accelerators and mentorship programs. By highlighting these essential support hubs, BEW is bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and the networks that can propel them toward long-term success.

With BEW’s varied and dynamic lineup, there’s something for every Houstonian aspiring to enter or elevate in the business world. From networking with industry experts to finding mentors and funding, this is a one-stop event for entrepreneurial empowerment. Whether you're a startup founder, a small business owner, or a visionary with a dream, BEW is the perfect place to get started on your path to building generational wealth.

Join the Movement

As BEW gears up for its fourth year, the message is clear: Houston’s Black entrepreneurs are here to make waves, and BEW is here to support them every step of the way. So mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready to celebrate, learn, and network at one of Houston’s most transformative events.

For more information on Black Entrepreneurs Week and to register, visit Equiliberty Community Impact Foundation’s website https://www.equiliberty.org