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
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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
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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
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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.
Find Your Program
Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow, we've got a program designed for where you are right now.
| Business Lab | Exchange | Summit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Black business owners ready for an intensive 9-month commitment | Growing businesses needing targeted skills and support | All business owners — current and aspiring |
| Time Commitment | 9 months | Drop-in, monthly (2–3 hours) | One full day, annually |
| Format | Cohort-based incubator | Workshops & co-working | Annual conference |
| Cost | $270–$1,800 sliding scale (payable over 6 months) | Free | Varies by year |
| What You'll Get | Training, coaching, micro-grants, seed funding & community | Targeted skills in finance, strategy & operations | Workshops, connections & hands-on support |
| Application Required? | Yes — info session required | No | No — just register |
| Next Start | August 27, 2026 | Ongoing | In person returns 2027 (2026 is a gap year) |
| Learn More | View Calendar | Get the Gap Year Guide |
Business Lab
- Best For
- Black business owners ready for an intensive 9-month commitment
- Time Commitment
- 9 months
- Format
- Cohort-based incubator
- Cost
- $270–$1,800 sliding scale (payable over 6 months)
- What You'll Get
- Training, coaching, micro-grants, seed funding & community
- Application Required?
- Yes — info session required
- Next Start
- August 27, 2026
Exchange
- Best For
- Growing businesses needing targeted skills and support
- Time Commitment
- Drop-in, monthly (2–3 hours)
- Format
- Workshops & co-working
- Cost
- Free
- What You'll Get
- Targeted skills in finance, strategy & operations
- Application Required?
- No
- Next Start
- Ongoing
Summit
- Best For
- All business owners — current and aspiring
- Time Commitment
- One full day, annually
- Format
- Annual conference
- Cost
- Varies by year
- What You'll Get
- Workshops, connections & hands-on support
- Application Required?
- No — just register
- Next Start
- In person returns 2027 (2026 is a gap year)
Still have questions? Send us a note and we'll respond as quickly as possible.
Our Impact
500+
Black business owners supported since 2020
78
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.