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For almost 50 years, black entrepreneurs and business owners have looked to BLACK ENTERPRISE as the definitive authority on everything related to black business ownership. Now, the iconic Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit, the leading black business conference, has been re-branded and revamped as the FWD conference. FWD kicks off on Wednesday in the city of Charlotte—Queen City or, the “QC.”
The FWD conference takes place at the Charlotte Convention Center and is hosted by Nationwide. And more than the name of this premier event has changed—it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
Over 1,000 Black Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders
Over 1,000 innovators, creators, and founders will be gathering and collaborating to move their businesses forward. There is a three-track programming agenda; Launch, Grow, and Innovate along with SistersInc., immersive workshops and sessions targeted at black women entrepreneurs and professionals.
The BizHub will feature exhibits of products and services all from black-owned businesses. Attendees can explore the BizHub at their leisure.
Speakers include several heavy hitters: Wendy Williams, media personality and entrepreneur; John Henry, partner at Harlem Capital Partners; Isiah Thomas, chairman and CEO of Isiah International; and Ryan Leslie, Grammy-nominated music artist and entrepreneur. All will share how they’ve been able to dominate in their industries while building their brands and businesses.
An incredible line up of 56 speakers will impart their knowledge over the course of the next three days.
In true homecoming fashion, this year’s host, Carlos Davis, CEO of Stand & Deliver, will kick off the official #BEintheQC welcome with Lu Yarbrough, associate vice president, Enterprise Diverse & Cause Marketing at Nationwide; Alfred Edmond, BE‘s SVP and executive editor-at-large; and Henry Child, national director, Minority Business Development Agency.
Engaging and Actionable Workshops, Panels, and Black Food Trucks
There will be three days of engaging content planned for attendees along with endless networking opportunities. Noshes are available on Black Food-Truck Thursday in partnership with Black Business of Charlotte.
If you want to move your business and career forward, FWD is where you need to be, June 19–22. There’s still time to register. Click here to get your ticket and check out the complete agenda here.
Be sure to follow Black Enterprise on Instagram and Twitter for real-time coverage and join in on the conversation using the hashtag #BEintheQC!
Day 1 Recap and Photos
After planning FWD for a year, we are proud to say that day one of the event was a huge success. This morning Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., President & CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE welcomed over 1,000 doers to Charlotte to do business in the city bustling with opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners.
John Henry, Partner at Harlem Capital Partners and Sequoia Blodgett, Tech Editor at BLACK ENTERPRISE took center stage to discuss the art of hustling. The thought-provoking entrepreneur and investor spoke candidly about the importance of being an entrepreneur who makes the most out of any situation.
“Are you specifically the right person to be doing this business at this time?…There are too many people trend chasing.” @JohnHenryStyle #BEintheQC pic.twitter.com/oil9dbvOub
— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) June 20, 2019
Vernon Eudell, AVP of Financial Services IT at Nationwide gave remarks.
Wendy encourages entrepreneurs to do life and business on their own terms
And the moment everyone was waiting for exceeded expectations when Wendy Williams, Media Personality and Entrepreneur took the stage with Caroline Clarke, Chief Brand Officer of Women of Power at BLACK ENTERPRISE.
.@WendyWilliams live at FWD #BEintheQC https://t.co/PDyb9NtwVQ
— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) June 20, 2019
In the afternoon hundreds of attendees received one-on-one business coaching. And the afternoon sessions kicked off with focuses on how to grow a global e-commerce business on your smartphone and with Charis Jones, CEO of Sassy Jones Boutique and Ericka Perry, CEO of The Stork Bag—and how to achieve scale with Mahisha Dellinger, CEO of CURLS LLC; Damian Mills, President & CEO of Mills Automotive Group; and Jeannine Lewis, Sr. Director of Brand & Media at Office Depot.
In the BizHub, exhibitors conducted business throughout the day and conference goes attended enriching workshops on how to build a digital community; the art of collaboration; a social media masterclass on how to win friends and followers; and learn how to sustain growth in the retail industry at the Macy’s Workshop.
The launching, growing, and innovation continued
The afternoon continued with our CEO for an exclusive “Ask Butch” session where attendees literally got to ask the President & CEO of BE anything about business.
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” @EarlButchGraves #BEintheQC pic.twitter.com/KGcETGwsu0
— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) June 20, 2019
And the timely and relevant content continued with sessions on how to run a business as a solopreneur presented by Cricket Wireless; how to create the perfect pitch and secure the bag presented by Nationwide.
Attendees on the Launch track creators learned how to take their idea from a napkin and turn it into a business plan; received tips on how to monetize their side hustle; and learned what it took to fire their boss. Yes, you read that correctly!
10 steps you need to win
@happyblackwoman #BEintheQC pic.twitter.com/1iIjYxvAOT— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) June 20, 2019
The grow track continued with sessions on how to get a slice of the billion dollar pie; a minority certification workshop; and an invaluable session on how to protect your intellectual property.
During the last session of the day, conference goers enjoyed the riveting SistersInc. Couples to Copreneurs session where they received insight and the real deal on going into business with a spouse.
“Write down the pros and cons and decide which ones make since to the business. No one’s always going to be right. There is give and take in any manner or the relationship” – Tariq Walker #BEintheQC pic.twitter.com/ddClccqT2x
— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) June 20, 2019
And in true #BEintheQC fashion, we ended the night with Black Food-Truck Thursday hosted by BBOC where we got the official taste of Charlotte.
We’re looking forward to all that is in store for tomorrow. Be sure to follow Black Enterprise on Instagram and Twitter for real-time coverage and join in on the conversation using the hashtag #BEintheQC!
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