Raleigh’s entrepreneurs, creatives and local business supporters have a new reason to connect this fall. Black Entrepreneur Week comes to Raleigh September 27–October 3, 2026, bringing a community cookout, creative experiences, business workshops and a Founder Showcase + Night Market to the city.

Presented by THE BLKPRNT, the week is designed to help Black businesses gain visibility, build relationships, reach customers and access resources. For Raleigh residents, it’s also an opportunity to discover the people and ideas shaping the local business community.

What Is Black Entrepreneur Week?

Black Entrepreneur Week is the flagship experience of THE BLKPRNT, a platform founded by Mel Wright to expand opportunity for Black entrepreneurs.

Wright’s work began with The Wright Village, which opened in Southeast Raleigh in 2020. After six years of building that entrepreneurial community, she is extending its reach through The Wright Village Community Impact Foundation and THE BLKPRNT.

“There are incredible entrepreneurs and creatives building businesses right here in Raleigh. They should not be our best-kept secrets,” Wright said. “Their businesses, their work and their stories deserve to be seen, heard and supported.”

The week connects business growth with creativity, storytelling, commerce and community, offering ways to participate whether you own a business, work in a creative field or simply want to support local entrepreneurs.

What to Expect: Cookouts, Creative Experiences and a Night Market

The Black Entrepreneur Week lineup includes six experiences with different ways to learn, connect and participate.

Community Cookout

This free community kickoff brings entrepreneurs, families, businesses, resource partners and the broader Raleigh community together. It’s an accessible entry point for residents interested in meeting local business owners and joining the celebration.

Built to Be Heard

Entrepreneurs and creatives take the microphone to share the stories behind what they’re building. This storytelling experience puts the people behind the businesses in the spotlight.

The Art of Business: Art & Culinary Experience

Art, food and entrepreneurship come together in a curated experience highlighting local creative entrepreneurs. Expect a focus on the connections between creative work, business and storytelling.

The Value of Creativity

A workshop, panel and Creative Kickback explore the business and value behind creative work. This experience gives creativity a central place in the entrepreneurship conversation.

Build What Pays

Designed for existing, revenue-generating entrepreneurs, this one-day business growth intensive focuses on strategy, finance, marketing, operations and practical AI implementation.

Founder Showcase + Night Market

This evening experience combines founder presentations with opportunities to shop and connect. Entrepreneurs can introduce their businesses, meet customers and sell products and services, while attendees can discover local businesses to support.

Building Opportunity for Black-Owned Businesses in Raleigh

The event comes as Black entrepreneurship draws attention across North Carolina. A 2025 B2B Reviews analysis ranked North Carolina third in the nation for Black-owned businesses and reported that Black-owned businesses represented 15.95% of the state’s small businesses.

THE BLKPRNT aims to build on that momentum by strengthening access to relationships, resources, customers and opportunities for sustainable growth.

Its work is intended to continue beyond Black Entrepreneur Week through year-round programs, partnerships and experiences. The Wright Village Community Impact Foundation also expands the capacity to support entrepreneurs through nonprofit programming and initiatives focused on economic opportunity.

Black Entrepreneur Week Tickets and Registration

Ready to plan your week? Here are the key details:

• Dates: September 27–October 3, 2026
• Location: Raleigh, North Carolina; check individual event listings for locations
• Week Pass: $79, with admission to participating ticketed experiences
• Other options: Free and individually ticketed events are also available
• Schedule and registration: THEBLKPRNT.COM⁠

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, meet fellow creatives or find your next favorite local brand, Black Entrepreneur Week offers several ways to get involved.

Visit THE BLKPRNT⁠ for the complete schedule, individual event details and registration.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |