Upcoming Events
Celebrating Black History Through Entrepreneurship – February 2025
Do you have a business idea and are you ready to make it happen?
This workshop aims to celebrate the contributions of Black entrepreneurs throughout history and highlight the challenges and opportunities that Black entrepreneurs face today, while inspiring participants to pursue their entrepreneurial projects with confidence.
Workshop objectives
- Highlighting the historical contributions of Black entrepreneurs to the economy and society.
- Discuss the specific challenges faced by black entrepreneurs, particularly in the contemporary context.
- Inspire participants by showing them how to overcome obstacles through success stories.
- Highlight the importance of mentorship, networking and community solidarity in the success of Black entrepreneurs.
- Promote diversity and inclusion in the business world and encourage companies to actively engage in change.
Target audience:
General public, entrepreneurs, students.
Topics covered
- Les coThe Historical Contributions of Black Entrepreneursntributions historiques des entrepreneurs noirs
- Challenges and Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs Today
- The importance of mentoring and community support
- Highlighting local black entrepreneurs
Workshop Content
Introduction to Black History Month
History and Significance of Black History Month
- Origins of Black History Month and its global impact.
- The importance of recognizing the achievements and contributions of black people in various fields, particularly entrepreneurship.
- The great historical and contemporary figures of black business and entrepreneurship.
Pioneers of Black Entrepreneurship
Portraits of great black entrepreneurs throughout history
- Iconic figures such as Madam C.J. Walker (first African-American woman to become a millionaire), Reginald Lewis (entrepreneur and philanthropist), and others
- Impact of Black-Led Businesses in Innovation, Culture, and Socio-Economic Areas
- Difficulties encountered due to racial discrimination and economic barriers.
Current Challenges for Black Entrepreneurs
Systemic and racial barriers
- Discrimination in the workplace, access to finance, and professional networks.
- The impact of stereotypes and lack of representation in the business world.
- Difficulties encountered in accessing financing, bank loans, and investors.
Responses and strategies to overcome these challenges
- The importance of mentoring and building supportive black entrepreneur networks
- Resources and programs specifically designed to support black entrepreneurs (grants, competitions, incubators)
Inspiration through entrepreneur success stories
Contemporary Successful Black Entrepreneurs
- Inspiring stories of local and international black entrepreneurs who have overcome obstacles.
- Success stories of black entrepreneurs in industries like tech, fashion, food, real estate, and more.
- Testimonies from black business leaders who have contributed to the transformation of their community and society in general.
The importance of mentoring and networking
Networking and community support
- Creating strategic partnerships to overcome challenges and build sustainable businesses.
- Finding mentors within the black community to share practical advice
- Participate in black entrepreneur discussion groups and forums.
Doing business with diversity and inclusion
Business Commitment to Diversity
- Why companies should invest in diversity and how it can benefit business growth
- Initiatives to promote the inclusion of black entrepreneurs in traditional business environments
- How businesses can actively support Black entrepreneurs by becoming allies
How to promote black entrepreneurship
Supporting young black entrepreneurs
- Create support programs for young black people who want to get into entrepreneurship
- The importance of education and specific resources to encourage young people to turn to entrepreneurship.
- Encourage academic and community institutions to set up initiatives to support young black entrepreneurs
Teaching methods
- Interactive Presentations: Using videos, images and inspiring quotes from iconic figures in black entrepreneurship
- Interactive Presentations: Using videos, images and inspiring quotes from iconic figures in black entrepreneurship
- Case Studies and Testimonials: Analyzing the Journeys of Black Entrepreneurs Who Overcame Obstacles to Succeed
- Practical Workshops: Exchange ideas and brainstorm on ways to promote black entrepreneurship in the local community
Workshop duration
- 1 full day (9:00am – 5:00pm) with breaks to allow for informal discussions and networking.
- Possibility of parallel sessions if necessary, for more targeted groups (e.g. young entrepreneurs, black women entrepreneurs, etc.).
Target audience
- Working Black Entrepreneurs: Those looking to grow their business or strengthen their network
- Aspiring Black Entrepreneurs: Individuals interested in pursuing entrepreneurship, particularly those from marginalized communities
- Finance industry professionals: To better understand the challenges facing black entrepreneurs and how to support them.
- Students and young adults: Encouraging the rising generation to undertake and actively participate in economic growth
Speakers
- Successful Black Entrepreneurs: Their Journeys and Practical Advice
- Experts in financing and business strategy: To explain best practices for accessing capital
- Diversity and Inclusion Specialists: To discuss the importance of these values in entrepreneurship and modern business
Workshop location
- Suggested location: Conference room, community center or coworking space. Ideally a place that is accessible to all and inclusive
- Virtual access: If necessary, possibility of organizing the workshop in hybrid form to allow remote participation
Post-workshop follow-up
- Ongoing mentoring and coaching: Establishment of a mentoring system to help participants implement their business ideas.
- Networking: Creating a networking group or online platform for participants to exchange and support each other.
- Access to additional resources: Provision of documents and practical guides for launching and developing a business.