Know Before You Go
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Welcome!
The 2026 HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit is the fourth annual national conference hosted by the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship. This conference is a unique convening which connects entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and HBCU institutions to support the growth of entrepreneurial ventures and ecosystems.
The summit features workshops, panels, networking events, resource fairs, and so much more to empower business owners. Expected attendees include: HBCU presidents, deans, faculty, student entrepreneurs, HBCU alumni entrepreneurs and investors, and more! Past conferences have included representation from over forty HBCUs, with more expected for this year’s conference.
Schedule
Location
HBCU Empower – HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit
The Westin DC Downtown, 999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
June 24–26, 2026
Suggested Attire
Business casual or business professional attire is recommended for all breakout sessions, mainstage panels, and meals. Special event attire details coming soon!
- General Conference Attire: Wednesday, June 24th to Friday, June 26th Business Casual
- General Conference Attire: Wednesday, June 24th to Friday, June 26th Business Casual
- Special Occasions Welcome Reception: Wednesday, June 24th Rep Your HBCU!
- Awards Gala Attire: Friday, June 26th Fashionable Business Formal
- Special Occasions Welcome Reception: Wednesday, June 24th Rep Your HBCU!
Travel & Lodging
Travel and Lodging Contact:
Nikayla Phillips
Best Airports to Arrive at:
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – approximately 6 miles from the event location
Dulles International Airport (IAD) – approximately 29 miles from the event location
Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – approximately 32 miles from the event location
Transportation from the Airport to The Westin DC Downtown:
We encourage you to use rideshares of your choice or rental car: Lyft, Uber, Taxi, or Washington Metro.
Parking & Transportation
Nearest WMATA Station
Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center (short walk from The Westin DC Downtown)
Hotel Parking
Additional Parking Lots & Garages
CityCenterDC Parking Garage: $20 All Day; $13 Early Bird; $12 Weekends
City Center Parking Lot: $20 All Day; $14 Early Bird
Street Parking
ParkMobile
Photo & Video Policy
HBCU Empower is committed to our guests’ right to privacy and the ethical use of information online. We do not rent, sell, give, exchange, or otherwise share contact information with unrelated third parties.
During HBCU Empower, our photography and videography team will be recording audio and video, taking photographs, transcribing, publishing, and archiving content. As such, we ask that participants and speakers grant Black Commerce permission to record and use images that may appear in publications and social media, including Vimeo, YouTube, and our website.
Contact
For additional questions or information, please contact: