Raleigh entrepreneurs, creatives and community supporters are invited to connect, learn and invest in local businesses during Black Entrepreneur Week 2026, taking place September 27 through October 3.

Presented through THE BLKPRNT, the inaugural week will bring entrepreneurs, business leaders, artists and residents together for programs focused on business growth, creativity, relationships, visibility and economic opportunity.

Most events will be held at The Wright Note Café, 399 Hubert Street in Raleigh. The week concludes with a guided Black Business Trail traveling to businesses throughout the Triangle.

Black Entrepreneur Week 2026 schedule

Community Kickoff

Sunday, September 27 | 2–5 p.m.
Admission: Free

Black Entrepreneur Week begins with a free, family-friendly Community Kickoff featuring food, music, business resources, community organizations and opportunities to meet local entrepreneurs.

Free food will be available from 2:15–4:15 p.m. while supplies last. Registration is encouraged but does not guarantee food.

Register for the Black Entrepreneur Week Community Kickoff

Built to Be Heard

Sunday, September 27 | 7–9 p.m.

Built to Be Heard is a curated open-mic experience featuring storytelling, spoken word, music and original creative expression. Participants will share perspectives connected to entrepreneurship, identity, culture, creativity and community.

The program is designed as an intentional space for meaningful stories and voices rather than a traditional business pitch competition.

Get tickets for Built to Be Heard

Build What Pays Business Intensive

Monday, September 28–Thursday, October 1 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. daily
Application required

Build What Pays is a four-day business-growth intensive for established, revenue-generating entrepreneurs. Sessions will focus on strategy, finance, marketing, operations and practical uses of artificial intelligence.

Participation is limited, and acceptance into the program requires a separate application. The intensive is included with the Builder Pass but is not included with the standard Week Pass.

The Art of Business: An Art and Culinary Experience

Tuesday, September 29 | 7–9 p.m.

The Art of Business will explore the intersection of creativity, storytelling and entrepreneurship through visual art and food.

The evening will include artwork curated by Tiff Possible Presents and tastings from five culinary entrepreneurs in partnership with Taste of Black. Guests can meet participating creatives, hear the stories behind their businesses, purchase original artwork and experience Raleigh’s creative economy firsthand.

Get tickets for The Art of Business

The Value of Creativity

Wednesday, September 30 | 6:30–9 p.m.

The Value of Creativity is a networking mixer and workshop created for artists, designers, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, writers, content creators, makers and other creative entrepreneurs.

Discussions will cover pricing, marketing, ownership, positioning, audience development and building sustainable revenue around creative work. Attendees will also have opportunities to develop relationships with professionals from across the Triangle.

Register for The Value of Creativity

Founder Showcase and Night Market

Thursday, October 1 | 6–10 p.m.
Admission: Free

The Founder Showcase will place selected entrepreneurs in the spotlight through live podcast interviews about their businesses, challenges, growth and future plans.

The showcase will be followed by a community Night Market featuring local vendors, shopping, networking and live music. The event is designed to connect entrepreneurs directly with customers while encouraging residents to support local commerce.

Reserve a free ticket for the Founder Showcase and Night Market

Black Business Trail

Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Black Entrepreneur Week concludes with the Black Business Trail, a curated bus experience visiting five Triangle-area stops and introducing participants to 10 businesses.

The six-hour experience includes round-trip transportation from The Wright Note Café, business stories, shopping opportunities and tastings at each stop. Seating is limited, and advance tickets are required.

Tickets start at $99 plus applicable fees. The Black Business Trail requires separate registration and is not included with the standard Week Pass.

Get tickets for the Black Business Trail

Black Entrepreneur Week passes

The $79 Black Entrepreneur Week Pass includes admission to three ticketed programs:

• Built to Be Heard
• The Art of Business
• The Value of Creativity

The free Community Kickoff and Founder Showcase and Night Market are open to the public with individual registration.

Build What Pays and the Black Business Trail are not included with the standard Week Pass. A limited Builder Pass includes Build What Pays and participating ticketed programs. Ticket prices and availability may change, so attendees should review the latest information before purchasing.

View the complete Black Entrepreneur Week 2026 collection and purchase a pass

Supporting Raleigh’s Black-owned businesses

Black Entrepreneur Week is designed to do more than provide educational programming. By bringing founders, customers, creatives, resource providers and community members together, the week creates opportunities for greater business visibility, collaboration and local spending.

Residents do not need to own a business to participate. Anyone interested in discovering Triangle entrepreneurs, supporting Black-owned businesses or strengthening Raleigh’s business community is welcome to attend.

Advance registration is recommended because several programs have limited capacity.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything Raleigh!

Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.

Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.

Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |