Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship

Calling All HBCU Entrepreneurs! For the second year in a row, join us at the 2025 CIAA Tournament Tech Summit for the 2025 Six Minutes You're On Pitch Competition and win funding for your business! Whether in the idea stage or already generating revenue this competition will offer finalists participants three minutes to pitch their business to a group of expert judges for the chance to win up to $2500 in funding. Three finalists for each category (idea or revenue-generating) will be chosen to pitch at the CIAA Tech Summit on Friday, February 28th in Baltimore. Each finalist will also be awarded an advisor to help them develop their pitch. Eligibility - Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), or recent alum (graduated Spring 2022 or later) of an HBCU -Business can be in early idea stage or already revenue generating -Must be able to meet with assigned advisor once a week in February -Must be able to attend in-person the CIAA Tech Summit in Baltimore on Friday, February 28th To apply visit: https://lnkd.in/eegrSkSi

Last night we wrapped up the inaugural cohort of our HBCU Consulting Lab Program! This program connects HBCU alum and disadvantaged business owners with HBCU undergraduate or graduate students to assist on consulting projects that help their companies grow. For students, this is an experiential learning opportunity to develop their business skills and academic knowledge to deliver to assist a small business, startup, or non-profit. And for business this program is an opportunity to increase capacity through developing marketing, financial, and operational strategy. Students virtually presented a summary of their client experience, recommendations and overall program experience in brief presentations Monday evening! And they all did a fantastic job! The inaugural cohort featured fifteen students from Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Alabama State University! Congratulations again to student participants Nicole Deberry Kamina Griffin Brooklynn Fergerson Kimbé Starks Tarrance Johnson Ashanni Thompson Roshane Bennett Cyniya Young Kennedy Sayres Nia Lacy Tamia Davis Emauri Watson! And a huge thank you to our client businesses and entrepreneurs SAINT MILES®, Enitan Bereola, II, She's Got Time, Summer Bazemore Terry Bazemore Jr, CISSP Mebane Design Studio Felix Gilbert Ey3 Technologies EDWOSB, 8a, CBSB Marvin Douglas Elaine Myada! We can't wait to add more students and schools to our Spring 2025 cohort!

HBCU STUDENTS: We are excited to partner with WME | William Morris Endeavor for the inaugural HBCU Sports Business Pitch Competition, taking place Super Bowl week in New Orleans, Louisiana. The aim of this competition is to give local HBCU students an opportunity to pitch new and innovative business ideas related to the sports industry. For more info - https://lnkd.in/ej_hh24b

Another webinar to empower your business as we head into the new year! In partnership between the HU x PNC Center Mid-Atlantic Region and the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program, join us virtually on December 10th for "AI Powered Entrepreneurship: Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI". This workshop will be led by Jason William Johnson, Ph.D. founder of SoundStrategies, will guide you through the transformative power of generative AI for your business. This engaging and insightful session will cover AI's impact on the future of business, introduce you to generative AI tools, and teach you advanced mega-prompting techniques for creating custom GPTs. Learn how to leverage AI tools enhance decision making, automate routine tasks, and boost your business' efficiency. Register to attend: https://lnkd.in/eYSi7j2e

Interested in learning how to expand your business to international markets? Our center is excited to present in partnership with the White House Initiative on HBCUs-International Affairs Cluster, "Exporting HBCU Excellence: An Introduction to International Trade" on Tuesday October 29th at 6:00 pm EST! Register at the following link: https://lnkd.in/ejH4YpGr This webinar will equip student, alumni entrepreneurs as well as business owners across the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) community with the necessary tools, resources, and strategies to explore and succeed in international markets. Hear from International Trade Specialist from the United States Department of Commerce and other business owners on topics ranging from common myths and misconceptions about exporting to opportunities to participate in trade missions and fairs. We hope to have you join us!

Calling all HU entrepreneurs! Do you want to start a business or have a solution to a business problem? Starting this Friday October 4th, introducing Empower Advising Hours, an opportunity to get feedback on your business ideas from industry experts, successful funders and entrepreneurs. Sessions will be hosted every Friday from 11 am to 1 pm (virtually). You do not need a presentation or business plan; just come prepared to share your idea and get advice. Limited spots are available. Students can sign up at the following link: https://lnkd.in/ezmpiEQK

Reflecting on an incredible experience at the Black Commerce Conference! Huge thanks to Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, Howard University, and all the amazing speakers, attendees, and collaborators who made this event unforgettable. Your energy and insights were truly inspiring. Thank you for allowing me to Grow, Teach, and Inspire others utilizing the powerful tools of financial literacy and entrepreneurship! Special shoutout to Jaala James and Mikah Christian, MA , for their exceptional work and partnership. Together, we captured some amazing moments and showcased the essence of the future of Black commerce and entrepreneurship. Already looking forward to next year’s event and building on this momentum. Remember to always #BeVisionary 💫 📸: Mikah Christian, MA Prod By: TDN Vision • • • #BlackCommerceConference #Entrepreneurship #MediaProduction #HUxPNC

Why do so many leaders still fear authenticity, despite it being a cornerstone of genuine leadership? I'm sure you've heard talks around authenticity and theres good reasoning behind it. Dr. Graham reminds us the importance of authenticity in this clip. Shout out to Johnny Graham, Ph.D. in his tip to talent in being authentic and embracing who you are as a leader. In my short time being able to connect with him, he's stayed true and consistent in that. I've had an opportunity to find out about impactful work that he is doing with ❤️🖤💚💛ERIN (Ear-in) HORNE MCKINNEY, M.A. ❤️🖤💚💛 and the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship . Howard University has a dynamic team in their midst and I am excited to continue to see the growth, development and most importantly impact of their program. The Black Commerce conference was a recharge. One highlight that recharged me was the energy of the students at the conference. The students were dynamic and walking in their brilliance. HBCU Salute!

Absolutely energized to be at Martha’s Vineyard, surrounded by visionary leaders and trailblazers! From McKinsey & Company Black Economic Mobility Institute, AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity), and Black Women in Venture Capital , to the Kapor Center, Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship , Halcyon, and National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) , the lineup of conversations and events is beyond inspiring. Each moment is an opportunity to forge new connections and collaborate on groundbreaking initiatives. Grateful to be part of this dynamic community, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can drive even greater impact together. If you’re here, DM me—I’d love to connect and explore how we can amplify our collective influence! Black Innovation Alliance

🥳🥳 Celebrating Black Business Month on Martha’s Vineyard with incredible thought leaders and colleagues was truly inspiring. The Vineyard provided a perfect backdrop for the impactful work being done to support black businesses. Grateful for the invitation from ❤️🖤💚💛ERIN (Ear-in) HORNE MCKINNEY, M.A. ❤️🖤💚💛 and Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship to be part of this empowering movement. Thank you to the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) for always championing diversity and entrepreneurship. #BlackBusinessMonth 🖤❤️💚💛