THE SCHEDULE
Three days. One star-studded lineup of founders, investors, and ecosystem builders taking the stage for high-energy panels, hands-on workshops, and can’t-miss breakout sessions across three powerhouse tracks. Add in the marketplace, electric networking receptions, and a show-stopping Awards Dinner finale, and you’ve got a summit built for momentum. Dive into the schedule below and map out your can’t-miss moments.
Wed, June 24th
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Registration
Check in, grab your badge and materials, and get oriented for three days of programming, networking, and connection at the summit.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Student Social & Welcome
Students connect with peers, mentors, and founders to kick off the summit and set the tone for the days ahead.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Conference Welcome Reception & Pitch Competition/ Mecca Marketplace Opens
Browse and shop products from HBCU founders in a vibrant marketplace celebrating Black entrepreneurship.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25TH
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Breakfast
Start the day with a morning meal and casual networking before sessions begin.
9:00 AM - 10:20 AM | Welcome & Opening Plenary Panel
Technology and the Future of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship has long been a powerful pathway for innovation, economic mobility, and community impact. As industries evolve and new technologies reshape the business landscape, how can business owners be uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of opportunity and wealth creation.
This panel will explore key trends in technology that will impact how entrepreneurs are building companies, leveraging networks, accessing capital, and creating solutions that address both global markets and community needs. Panelists will share insights on emerging industries, the role of technology and AI, and the future outlook on capital.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Breakout Sessions #1
- “AI Technology in Grant Writing: Pros and Cons
- “Legal frameworks for Business Owners”
- “Panel: Enterprise and VC Readiness”
- “From Workforce to Business Ownership: Applying Skills to A Venture”
11:40 AM - 12:40 PM | Breakout Sessions #2
“Automations for Non-Tech Founders”
“How Businesses Maintain and Use Credit” Presented by PNC
“Increasing Impact and Scale through Technology”
12:40 PM - 2:00 | Lunch & Mainstage Plenary Panel
“Staying Steady in an Evolving Landscape”
In today’s fast-changing business environment, entrepreneurs must navigate shifting markets, emerging technologies, and economic uncertainty while continuing to build sustainable companies. This panel examines how founders and business leaders can stay focused and disciplined amid constant change—without losing momentum or compromising their vision.
Panelists will share practical strategies for adapting business models, managing risk, and making clear-headed decisions in ever-changing.
2:10 PM - 3:10 PM | Breakout Sessions #3
- “AI Media and Content Automation to Scale”
- “Score a Better Future: Personal Credit Fundamentals” with FICO
- “Panel: HBCU Talent Development”
3:20 PM - 4:20 PM | Breakout Sessions #4
- “Risk Management for Startups”
- “Digital marketing and Brand Growth”
- “HBCUs as Community Economic Development Hubs”
- “Faculty Fellows Research Presentations #1”
- “Pathways to Procurement” with
- Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Entrepreneur Office Hours & Resource Fair
The resource fair connects entrepreneurs with organizations offering funding pathways, technology platforms, consulting services, and broader ecosystem support. Attendees will also participate in dedicated office hours with experts and partners, gaining practical guidance and insights to help strengthen and advance their ventures.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Faculty Reception
Faculty and academic leaders gather to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate HBCU entrepreneurship scholarship.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Regional & Community Reception
A celebration spotlighting HBCU founders and the regional networks driving innovation and economic mobility.
SAT, June 21st
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Breakfast
Refuel with a morning meal and connect with fellow attendees before the final day’s sessions.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Mainstage Plenary Panel
Building & Maintaining Multi-Generational Wealth
This panel explores the historical foundations of wealth-building through family-owned businesses and the lessons today’s entrepreneurs can draw from that legacy. Designed to be both reflective and forward-looking, this session connects past to present, honoring the ingenuity of HBCU alumni entrepreneurs while equipping today’s leaders with practical insights to build businesses that endure.
10:40 AM - 11:40 AM | Breakout Sessions #5
- “Fintech Solutions for Entrepreneurs”
- “Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Programming for Impact”
- “Panel: Acquisition Readiness”
- “Cybersecurity Solutions for Business
11:40 AM - 12:40 PM | Breakout Sessions #6
- “Corporate & Government Funding Pathways for HBCUs”
- “Strategic Planning, Operations & HR for Startups”
- “Faculty Fellows Research Presentations #2”
- “Ask the Banker, Get Your Questions Answered on Capital, Cash Flow, and Growth” Presented by PNC
12:40 PM - 2:00 PM | Lunch & Mainstage Plenary Panel
Collective Economics: Models to Build Community and Support Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs do not succeed in isolation. This panel explores collective economics, strategies to build community, reduce risk, and expand access to resources for entrepreneurs. Panelists will examine practical, real-world models and ecosystems that prioritize shared resources, cooperation, and mutual support for entrepreneurship. Through case examples and lived experience, speakers will highlight how partnership and collective approaches can strengthen local economies, foster resilience, and create sustainable pathways to business growth.
2:10 PM - 3:10 PM | Breakout Sessions #7
- “Developing Social Enterprises for the Future”
- “Building a Hybrid Team with AI Agents”
- “The Entrepreneurship Education Institute”
- “Building Your Personal Advisory Board”
3:20 PM - 4:20 PM | Breakout Sessions #8
- “Developing Social Enterprises for the Future”
- “Building a Hybrid Team with AI Agents”
- “The Entrepreneurship Education Institute”
- “Building Your Personal Advisory Board”
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | HBCU EMPOWER Awards Dinner
Honored Awardees Include:
- Shannan Herbert, CEO, Washington Area Community Investment Fund
- Kim Roxie, Founder, Lamik Beauty
- Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, Founder and CEO of The Village Market
PricING
INTERESTED IN ATTENDING HBCU EMPOWER 2026?
Have a question? Interested in more information? Want to partner with us to impact entrepreneurship? Fill out the form and les.