On October 27th Black Entrepreneurs Day celebrates its third year, seeking to build on the 6.5 million viewers of its last event. Daymond John, the founder and CEO of FUBU and co-star of Shark Tank, will again moderate the evening that will be both streamed and held live in front of an audience at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Despite the pandemic Black Entrepreneurs Day retains its momentum due to the special chemistry of business and entertainment headlining together. The Day’s domestic and global audience makes it one of the largest and most awarded Diversity & Inclusion events in America. This is due in large part to the participation of high profile black entrepreneurs and celebrities that includes Spike Lee, Venus Williams, Tracee Ellis Ross, Shaquille O’Neal, Killer Mike, Big Sean, and others.
“Being in year three accomplishes one of my original goals of making Black Entrepreneurs Day one of the most fun D&I events of the year that brings icons of the Black community to participate in important conversations and moments,” John said.
While the event is energized with high profile entertainers and celebrities, black entrepreneurs should not miss out on the opportunity to apply for one of the $25,000 grants being awarded.
The “NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant” program was created by John. This year $150,000 will go to black entrepreneurs and small business owners. Submissions must be received via the event web site by October 12, 2022 11:59 pm.
Apollo Theatre attendees and online viewers will benefit from an insightful program. The evening will be filled with curated segments of one-on-one interviews with A-list black business leaders and cultural icons led by John, a pitch competition, panel and round table discussions and a live musical performance by Big Sean to close the evening.
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP captures the spirit and hopes of the event and the ongoing support of his organization.
“Black Entrepreneurs Day provides an invaluable resource to a community that is historically overlooked when it comes to resources and funding. It is truly economic inclusion for us, by us. For the third year, we’re looking forward to seeing the ways that Black businesses are changing the landscape in industries like tech, beauty, travel and retail, and helping them scale through the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant”,
