Supporting Black business owners in Richmond to build thriving, sustainable businesses.
Whether you’re just starting out or growing an established business, we’ve got culturally relevant programs, community connection and practical support designed for where you are right now.
What Are You Looking For?
Our Programs
Our New Incubator - Applications open
June 1, 2026
9 months of intensive support
We’re launching our reimagined incubator program: 9 months of intensive support for Black business owners ready to build sustainable, thriving businesses. This the evolution of our Community Business Academy, built to serve you even better.
What You Can Expect:
9 months of intensive training & support
Small cohort for personalized coaching
Culturally relevant curriculum built for main street businesses
Access to micro-grants and critical resources for building your business
A community of fellow business owners who get it
Applications Open: June 1, 2026
Program Begins: August 27, 2026
Recurring Programming
Targeted learning for growing businesses
Monthly workshops, co-working sessions and hands-on learning focused on Finance, Strategy and Operations. Build practical skills in community with fellow business owners.
What You’ll Get:
Monthly skill-building workshops with expert facilitators
“Mind Your Business” co-working sessions for focused work time
“Books + Balance” bookkeeping support sessions
Real connections with other business owners
Open to all — show up when topics fit your needs
Investment: FREE
BLCK Street Summit
A national gathering for Main Street businesses
An annual full-day conference bringing together current and aspiring business owners from across the country for workshops, connections, and real-time support. This isn't just another conference — it's where we roll up our sleeves and get real about building businesses in community.
What You’ll Get:
Hands-on workshops on the challenges you’re actually facing
Keynote speakers sharing practical wisdom (not just inspiration)
Real connections with fellow builders and creators
Summit 2026 is a gap year. Think of it like the gap year before grad school: a deliberate pause before the next big chapter. We'll be back in person in 2027, and we're already building toward it.
In the meantime, we're asking you to hold September 28, 2026, and spend it investing in yourself. We're putting together a curated guide with ideas for how to rest, restore, and pour back into yourself as a business owner.
Our Impact
500+
Black business owners supported since 2020
83
Incubator program graduates since 2022
120
Businesses launched or strengthened since 2020
725
Attendees at BLCK Street® Summit since 2021
These aren’t just numbers. Behind every number is a real person building wealth in their community, creating jobs and shaping Richmond’s economic future.