The 2023 Gem City Black Business Month will celebrate and support Black entrepreneurs throughout August with workshops, networking events, opportunities to support local businesses, and a new awards ceremony.

“We want to help Black entrepreneurs amplify their power by connecting them with resources they need to grow their businesses and celebrating their strides,” said Whitney Barkley, director of the Greater West Dayton Incubator. “We are grateful for the support of our startup ecosystem partners to create a diverse spectrum of events that Black business owners can benefit from through networking and education.” 

Events begin with a sold-out rooftop social sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. They conclude with the Black Business Month Awards at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, to showcase aspects of business leadership, including recognition for a business owner who has paved the way for others; a young entrepreneur with significant achievements; a person or organization that has facilitated partnerships and growth; an entrepreneur with relentless drive and determination; and a community favorite. 

The awards ceremony, also sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and presented along with a Power Hour Financial Empowerment Panel, is open to the public. More information and registration is available online.

A full schedule of Black Business Month events is available on the Launch Dayton website.

Building a Resilient Business

To continue building from August's activities, The Greater West Dayton Incubator and Dayton chapter of the National Black MBA Association will host a free event on building a resilient business.

Barkley and Greater West Dayton Incubator Associate Director Ty Corbitt will give the keynote address on creating sustainable entrepreneurs in the 21st century at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at the Hub Powered by PNC at the Dayton Arcade. Registration is open to the public and available online.

The Greater West Dayton Incubator is a partnership with the University of Dayton and the community, with support from The Entrepreneurs’ Center. It offers Business Blitz boot camps; funds LLC applications; and a 12-month Urban Elevation Accelerator program that grants business owners funding through a $50,000 gift from Fifth Third Bank. The incubator also offers fellowships for resources and discounted office space at the Hub Powered by PNC and has awarded more than $70,000 through the Culture Capital microloans program. PNC, Key Bank and Google have also provided funds to support the incubator’s work. More information about the Greater West Dayton Incubator is available online.