Community. Culture. Commerce.

JUNE 19–21, 2025

2025 HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit

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The Future of Entrepreneurship

JUNE 19–21, 2025

Join us for the 2025 HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit,the 3rd Annual National Conference hosted by the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship. This unique convening unites entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, students, and scholars to foster collaboration, share best practices and build support for one another. Attendees are able to learn skills, gain resources, and get connected to grow entrepreneurial ventures and empower entrepreneurship ecosystems. The summit will feature various workshops, panels, networking events, content activations and so much more!

SCHEDULE OF CONFERENCE EVENTS

Welcome Reception

JUNE 19TH

The opening kickoff to the conference will feature food, music, game activities, various content activations and a curated pop-up shop of businesses showcasing and selling HBCU-themed products. Accomplishments of key programs will also be highlighted.`

Panels & Workshops​

JUNE 20TH & JUNE 21ST

A variety of panels, workshops, and discussions for attendees to learn skills, gain resources, and share best practices to grow businesses, build wealth, and empower communities! These workshops follow three tracks of content-Emerging Entrepreneurs, Investing & Impact, Empowering the Ecosystem– and include current topics related to digital marketing, technological innovation, funding, finance, business acquisition, franchising, product development, social impact, and more!

Mainstage Series

Curated keynote discussions of top business leaders and industry experts sharing keys to their success, challenges and pitfalls in their journey, and best practices for impact.

THE MECCA MARKETPLACE & RESOURCE FAIR

JUNE 20TH

An ongoing curated pop-up shop and showcase of HBCU alum owned businesses and organizations that provide resources for entrepreneurs including incubators, free consulting, funding initiatives, technology & software.

South Reception

JUNE 20TH

Convenings for networking, engagement, and fun featuring food, music, competitions, and more to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of the Southeast (Clark Atlanta University) and Southwest (Texas Southern) regions.

Future Innovators Brunch

JUNE 21ST

A curated gathering featuring emerging leaders and next-generation changemakers who are shaping the future through innovation, creativity, and community impact.

Attendees will enjoy thought-provoking conversations, fireside chats with trailblazers, and interactive networking opportunities.

HBCU EMPOWER AWARDS CELEBRATION

JUNE 21st

A celebration of the Center, and a recognition of the achievements and impact of business leaders around the country. Acknowledgements and awards are given to the Center’s major program participants and to business leaders and organizations who symbolize the values and vision of the Center.

DON'T MISS OUT

MEET THE 2025 HBCU EMPOWER SPEAKERS

SPEAKER

Nicholas M. Perkins

President & CEO | Perkins Management Services Company and Fuddruckers

SPEAKER

Cornell McBride Jr.

President of Design Essentials

SPEAKER

Sheena Allen

Founder & CEO | GRITS, CREAM Factory

SPEAKER

Shari Bryant

Founder & CEO of Knip Agency | Knip Agency

SPEAKER

Kim Roxie

Founder & CEO | LAMIK Beauty

SPEAKER

Luke Lawal Jr.

CEO & Founder | HBCU Buzz

SPEAKER

Jabari Johnson

CEO | COLORS Worldwide Inc/R&B ONLY

SPEAKER

Marty McDonald

CEO | Boss Women Media and Elle Olivia

SPEAKER

Angel Gregorio

Founder & CEO | The Spice Suite, Something Suite & Black and Forth

SPEAKER

Howard R. Jean

CEO | Black Meta Agency

SPEAKER

Dr. Johnny Graham

Interim National Executive Director | Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship

SPEAKER

LaRoyce “DJ 5’9” Davis

DJ and Entrepreneur

Mainstage

SPEAKER

Alexandre Swayne

Associate Director, Capital Programs Global Partnerships & Business Services | National Minority Supplier Development Council

Conference Details

DATES

June 19-21, 2025

Conference Location

Marriott Marquis
901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Room Block Rate: $219 per night

REGISTRATION PRICING

Student

$ 149
  • Scholarships Available

Faculty & Staff

$ 299
  • Scholarships Available

General Registration

$ 349
  • Scholarships Available
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING HBCU EMPOWER 2025?

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Sponsors
Community Partners

Conference Tracks

Empowering the Ecosystem

A convening to share best practices and resources that help build more robust entrepreneurship programs at college institutions and beyond.

Elevating Emerging Entrepreneurs

Workshops and panels to provide entrepreneurs with resources, skills, and knowledge to launch and scale their business ventures.

Investing & Impact

Workshops focused on leveraging and learning strategies that fund and grow both businesses and communities.

 

About the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship

The Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship is a national consortium & resource hub focused on enhancing entrepreneurship education at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and empowering entrepreneurs around the country. The National Center for Entrepreneurship enhances the success and growth of businesses through providing programming, capital, curriculum, research, and other resources in collaboration with HBCUs and their surrounding communities.

Contact Us

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