The Black Business Association (BBA) kicked off National Black Business Month in grand style with the 2nd Annual Black Business Day Expo, held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the LA Trade-Technical College’s Culinary Arts Building. This event was a spectacular celebration of Black entrepreneurship and innovation, uniting over 60 vendors, local and county agencies, and industry leaders to provide education, networking opportunities, and resources to support Black-owned businesses.

A Stellar Event

The expo was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful demonstration of Black excellence, ingenuity, and community. Vendors showcased a diverse range of products and services, from fashion and beauty to health, insurance, and banking. Attendees engaged with these businesses, exploring new products and gaining valuable insights into managing and growing their enterprises.

In partnership with U.S. Bank, the BBA curated an inspiring lineup of events under the theme “Building Legacies, Bolstering Black Prosperity.” The event truly embodied this theme, with panel discussions and presentations highlighting the importance of innovation, access to capital, and strategic partnerships in building successful Black-owned businesses.

Event Highlights

Over 60 Vendors Showcased:
The expo featured an impressive array of vendors, ranging from local artisans to established companies, all dedicated to serving the needs of the Black community. The diversity of offerings ensured that there was something for everyone, making it a valuable experience for both vendors and attendees.

AI and Innovations in Business Panel:
One of the day’s most anticipated sessions was the “AI and Innovations in Business” panel. This session featured leading voices in the tech industry, who shared their insights on the role of AI and technology in driving business innovation. Panelists included:

• Donnell Layne (Science TV Presenter, Producer, STEM Educator, and Co-founder & Co-CEO of TwinFlame Ventures, LLC)
• Lori Mitchell (President of Black Women in Technology)
• Phillip Banks (Founding Chairperson of the Southern California Linux Expo and Founder of the LA Chapter of Black Boys Code)
• Julie Pilat (FYI Global Head of Entertainment & Creative Strategy)
• Kaleef D. Thompson (Information Technology Operations Analyst at United Talent Agency)
• DJ Meka Lolita (FYI Team Leader)

These industry leaders discussed the significance of AI, STEM education, and technology in shaping the future of Black entrepreneurship.

Panel II: Capital Access:
Moderated by Delphine Pruitt of U.S. Bank, this crucial panel explored the financial challenges and opportunities facing Black businesses. Panelists Mussie Assefaw (U.S. Bank), Jose Vega (EastWest Bank), Kenneth Crawford (SBA), and Richard Pallay Jr. (PCR Business Finance) offered invaluable advice on securing funding and navigating the financial landscape to support business growth.

Panel III: Contracting and Business Opportunities:
The final panel of the day, moderated by Kimberly Rolfe of SC-VBC, focused on “Contracting and Business Opportunities.” Panelists Lorraine Aldridge (Metro), Greg Reed (LADWP), Anne Muchiri (SoCalGas), Enrique Gomez (LA County OSB), and Sandra Vasquez (SBA) discussed strategies for minority-owned businesses to competitively position themselves for contracts and opportunities in traditionally dominated industries.

Networking, Education, and Culinary Delights

Throughout the day, attendees had numerous opportunities to network with industry leaders, vendors, and fellow entrepreneurs. These connections are invaluable for business growth, offering a platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations.

The expo also provided a wealth of educational resources, with local and county agencies offering information on various programs and services available to support Black-owned businesses. From health and insurance advice to banking and financial services, the resources available were tailored to meet the specific needs of the community.

Adding to the event’s overall experience, the Culinary Arts Building hosted delicious food and refreshments, providing a taste of the vibrant culinary talent within the community.

TikTok Highlights and Future Outlook

For those who missed the live event, key highlights from the panels are available on the BBA’s TikTok News feed, offering insights into AI’s role in diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices, creative strategies, and grant writing. Here are some must-watch highlights:

• Lori Mitchell dives into how AI impacts hiring practices, sometimes challenging diversity and equity based on a person’s name. Discover the complexities and the role AI plays in shaping the future of inclusion. Watch here.
• Meka Lolita, a trailblazing under-30 music AI tech leader, is revolutionizing music experiences with AI. As a DJ and music curator at FYI under will.i.am’s leadership, Meka is redefining audience engagement. Watch here.
• Kaleef Thompson at the LA Black Business Expo discusses AI in content creation and talent management. Don’t miss this stellar panel featuring the future of tech. Watch here.
• Regeanie Corona, MBA, Social Entrepreneur, and Founder, shares how ChatGPT is transforming grant writing by securing vital funding. Watch here.
• Lori Mitchell discusses how AI tools like Leonardo can revolutionize the creative process for artists, filmmakers, and designers, becoming an essential part of everyday creative workflows. Watch here.

The 2nd Annual Black Business Day Expo was a resounding success, showcasing the strength and resilience of Black-owned businesses in Los Angeles. The event not only highlighted the importance of innovation and access to resources but also reinforced the BBA’s commitment to building legacies and bolstering Black prosperity. As we continue to celebrate National Black Business Month, the BBA remains dedicated to supporting and uplifting Black entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive. This year’s expo set the stage for future growth and success within the Black business community, promising even greater achievements in the years to come.

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