Building Business Futures: Capital, Crypto, Commerce & Policy Power Moves

Date and time

Thursday, September 25 · 11am - 2pm EDT

Location

The Hamilton Live

600 14th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005

About this event

Join us for an energizing convening at the intersection of policy, capital, technology, and entrepreneurship, hosted during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). Presented by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), in partnership with the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, this exclusive luncheon gathers 200+ entrepreneurs, elected officials, policy leaders, and business advocates to explore the future of Black business growth and generational wealth building. 

At a moment of economic transformation—with debates over cryptocurrency, AI, tariffs, and digital equity shaping the marketplace—this forum will feature bold discussions on how Black entrepreneurs can navigate these changes, secure greater access to capital, and influence the policies that impact their businesses. 

Featured Topics Include: 

💡 Digital Assets & Capital Innovation: Exploring cryptocurrency, stablecoins, and blockchain technologies to expand access to capital. 

🏛️ Tariffs, Trade & the Policy Reality for Black-Owned Businesses: A timely discussion on how trade policies and tariffs directly impact Black-owned businesses, with special focus on wine & spirits, retail, and restaurant sectors—and what reforms are needed for equity and market access. 

🤖 AI & Technology Readiness: Leveraging AI tools to streamline operations and scale Black-owned businesses, with safeguards to prevent technological displacement. 

🌍 Legacy Building & Community Wealth: Highlighting successful strategies to build sustainable, community-rooted businesses that drive local economic growth. 

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is proud to build on the success of our Leveraging Regionalism to Empower Small Businesses Summit, held on May 2, 2024. This event explored regional economic development strategies to drive small business growth, with a focus on equitable access, innovative financing, and leveraging technology to foster collaboration among stakeholders.

We are excited to continue this momentum by hosting our next Regional Councils: Leveraging Regionalism to Support Small Business convening in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Taking place at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, this in-person, half-day convening will bring together key regional stakeholders to examine the latest economic trends, engage in insightful discussions, and foster meaningful connections. Through panel discussions, fireside chats, and networking opportunities, participants will collaborate on strategies to strengthen and empower small businesses across the region.

Date and time

Wednesday, July 16 · 10am - 2pm EDT

Location

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

701 East Byrd Street Richmond, VA 23219

This Meeting is a Curriculum Review for the BSS Program. We are actively preparing this program for release.

Navigating the Impact on Small Businesses

Join us Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET for a powerful conversation on how current tariff policies are shaping the realities of small business owners—particularly those in underserved communities.

Tariffs, Trade & Main Street will bring together leading policymakers, economists, small business advocates, and entrepreneurs to break down complex trade policies and offer insights into what they mean for Main Street businesses.

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Platform: Zoom (Live captioning provided)

This is more than a policy discussion—it’s a space to elevate the voices of those most affected and to explore actionable solutions. 

This Meeting is a Curriculum Review for the BSS Program. We are actively preparing this program for release.

Join us for Bridges to Business: Unlocking Opportunities for Returning Citizen Entrepreneurs, an inspiring virtual event in AEO’s Equity and Opportunity for All webinar series. Building on the momentum of AEO’s Endeavor Ready initiative—launched in 2019 to develop real-world solutions for returning citizens pursuing entrepreneurship—this session will examine how business ownership can serve as a transformative pathway to economic mobility and wealth creation. We’ll also address the pressing challenges of capital access and explore strategic avenues of support.

A brief research presentation will shed light on brand-new data and insights about returning citizen entrepreneurs, followed by an engaging panel discussion with experts, advocates, and practitioners. Together, we’ll highlight success stories, unpack innovative models, and showcase the power of community-driven solutions in creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Who Should Attend:

Policymakers, advocates, and organizations supporting second chances

Returning citizens seeking information and support in launching or growing a business

Anyone interested in creating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for all

Join us to help create a robust support system for returning citizen entrepreneurs.

Leveraging Regionalism to Support Small Business (Dallas)

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is excited to build on the success of our Leveraging Regionalism to Empower Small Businesses Summit, held May 2, 2024, which explored regional economic development strategies to bolster small business growth, focusing on equitable access, innovative financing, and leveraging technology to foster collaboration between stakeholders. 

We are thrilled to continue our series of Regional Councils: Leveraging Regionalism to Support Small Business Convenings. 

Hosted at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, we will bring together key stakeholders from the region to explore the latest economic trends, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with organizations dedicated to empowering small businesses through panel discussions, fireside chats and networking opportunities via a half day in person convening. 

Who Should Attend 

This event is ideal for business support organizations, government, private industry, foundations, non-profits, and any stakeholders who are working to support small business and economic development in their region. This event is open to all stakeholders in the South Central region.  

The South Central region includes: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas   

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) at North Carolina Central University is excited to host its Inaugural Small Business Expansion Summit on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025. The SBE Summit was created with the sole purpose of accelerating Mainstreet NC and helping local small business owners take ACTIONABLE steps to grow 1% better.

This dynamic one-day event is designed to equip local entrepreneurs with the knowledge, strategies, and resources they need to expand operations and thrive. The summit will feature interactive workshops designed to provide actionable insights and practical advice, expert panel discussions, and keynote addresses. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and gain valuable resources to drive their business growth.

Learning Tracks Include:

• Optimizing Your Current Market: Learn strategies to deepen market reach, identify the right time to expand, and explore methods for sustainable growth.

• Going International: Gain insights into exporting, entering global markets, and navigating international operations.

• Growing with the Government: Discover opportunities in government contracting, including how to register and secure contracts.

• Expansion Through Acquisition: Understand how acquisitions can drive business growth and how to leverage them effectively.

• Financing Your Expansion: Explore capital strategies and financing options to successfully fund and grow your business.

Please click the link below to SAVE THE DATE and be informed as more information becomes available.

Location: NCCU's School of Business, 829 E. Lawson St, Durham, NC 27701, Lowe's Auditorium

Interested in serving as a sponsor or volunteer? Complete our SBE Interest Form located here.

Join Carolina Small Business Development Fund this March as we gather in Fayetteville to celebrate North Carolina's strong ecosystem of Black entrepreneurs. 

This exciting event will feature networking opportunities and panels that will highlight the work of Black farmers and Black veterans and their impact on North Carolina's small business ecosystem!

​