HBCU Founders Initiative

HBCU Founders Initiative The HBCU Founders Initiative is a nonprofit organization that is engaging rising HBCU students and alumni interested in pursuing entrepreneurship

The lineup is live. 🔥Meet the speakers taking the stage at as we come together to recognize, reflect, and recommit to ...
06/04/2026

The lineup is live. 🔥

Meet the speakers taking the stage at as we come together to recognize, reflect, and recommit to accelerating innovation at HBCUs.

These are the conversations you won’t want to hear about secondhand.

🎫 Secure your ticket: https://www.hbcufi.org/better-futures-summit

06/03/2026

What will it take for to shape the future of innovation? Join us at the Better Futures Summit to find out. 🚀

We’re excited to bring together visionary leaders for a powerful conversation to explore how Historically Black Colleges and Universities can leverage entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, and access to capital to strengthen innovation ecosystems and create transformative opportunities on campus.

📅 Juneteenth
🕥 10:30 AM
📍 Hook Hall

🎤 Moderator:
Johnetta Hardy, Executive Director, Bowie State University Entrepreneurship Innovation Center

🎙️ Panelists:
Nasir Qadree, Founder & Managing Partner, Zeal Capital Partners
Nassar Omar, Senior Associate, NAACP Capital

Secure your ticket: https://www.hbcufi.org/better-futures-summit 🎫

🍸 Sip cocktails. 🤝 Connect with innovators. 🎬 Experience an inspiring story.Join us June 18 at the in Washington, D.C....
05/29/2026

🍸 Sip cocktails. 🤝 Connect with innovators. 🎬 Experience an inspiring story.

Join us June 18 at the in Washington, D.C., for an exclusive screening of : The HBCU Founders’ Journey and a powerful conversation with NAACP Image Award-winning and 2x Emmy Award-winning director and featured founder Desmond A. Wiggan Jr.

🎟️ Meet us there: hbcufi.org/better-futures-summit

05/29/2026

What does it take to turn vision into victory? 🎬

A new five-part docuseries is pulling back the curtain on the next generation of who are building transformative companies, creating opportunity, and redefining what’s possible in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Hosted by 4x Emmy Award-winning journalist and directed by NAACP Image Award winner and Emmy nominee , follows five trailblazing founders from ’s as they navigate the challenges, breakthroughs, and bold decisions that shape their journeys as entrepreneurs.

Be among the first to experience the series at the ⭐️ (June 18-19), in Washington, D.C.

🎟️ Tickets are moving fast. Reserve your spot: hbcufi.org/better-futures-summit

At the , we’re celebrating the leaders and changemakers helping shape what’s next — and we’re proud to announce our fir...
05/15/2026

At the , we’re celebrating the leaders and changemakers helping shape what’s next — and we’re proud to announce our first honoree.

⭐ Dr. Chad Womack, President of Innovation & Social Ventures at BlueSKY Collaborative Partners

A proud Morehouse College alumnus and longtime champion for HBCU innovation, Dr. Womack has been a valued supporter of HBCUFI since 2022. His leadership was instrumental in launching our Pre-Accelerator Program in partnership with UNCF — expanding entrepreneurial education and empowering student-led ventures across HBCU campuses.

Under his leadership, UNCF raised more than $100M to advance transformative STEM initiatives, including the HBCU Tech Innovation Summit, UNCF STEM Scholars Program, HBCU CS Academy, and TechVentures.

We’re honored to recognize Dr. Womack’s continued commitment to innovation, access, and opportunity for the next generation of HBCU founders.

If you’re building, investing, creating, or leading innovation, you need to be in this room. 🔥This , the is celebrati...
05/08/2026

If you’re building, investing, creating, or leading innovation, you need to be in this room. 🔥

This , the is celebrating 5 years of impact with the inaugural Better Futures Summit in D.C., a two-day experience centered around the theme: recognize, reflect, and recommit.

The is a celebration of the founders, leaders, and changemakers shaping the future, while challenging us all to recommit to the work ahead.

Today, we’re excited to announce our first featured speaker:

🎤 Alison Francis, VP, Chief Diversity Officer, Costco
Francis is an alumna and the Chair of the HBCUFI Leadership Council, who will join us at Better Futures Summit to share insights on leadership, innovation, and what it takes to create meaningful impact through entrepreneurship and community.

Throughout the two-day summit, you can expect:

🎬 Exclusive screening of From Vision to Victory: The HBCU Founders’ Journey hosted by Soledad O’Brien and directed by Lagueria Davis.
🏆 10 founders competing for $25K at the Better Futures Pitch Competition.
🤝 Inspiring founder, investor & industry leader conversations.
🌍 Juneteenth programming centered on innovation, ownership & legacy.
👥 Meaningful networking and community-building opportunities.

Tickets are moving FAST. Don’t miss out:

🎟 https://www.hbcufi.org/better-futures-summit

⏰ ICYMI: Don’t miss your chance to apply for HBCUFI’s Annual Better Futures Pitch Competition, where HBCUFI Founders and...
04/28/2026

⏰ ICYMI: Don’t miss your chance to apply for HBCUFI’s Annual Better Futures Pitch Competition, where HBCUFI Founders and Innovators will compete for $25K in prizes.

Selected founders will receive pitch coaching, an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., and the opportunity to pitch in front of investors, mentors, and partners at our Juneteenth summit.

Applications close Friday, May 1 at 11:59 PM ET.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more and apply.

04/14/2026

We’re the birthday! 😎

📅 June 18-19
📍 Washington, D.C.
🔗 Purchase your ticket through the link in bio.

Do you have a desire to make a difference in the world? 🌍Join for our Designing for Social Good ( ) Workshop on Februar...
02/24/2026

Do you have a desire to make a difference in the world? 🌍

Join for our Designing for Social Good ( ) Workshop on February 28th at the North Carolina Central University Student Center, hosted in collaboration with Eshelman Innovation and the OIC of Rocky Mount.

This is your chance to help build real, human-centered solutions to local challenges.

Innovators who join us will:

🍽 Enjoy FREE breakfast and lunch.
💡Build solutions that address food insecurity, behavioral health, and the loneliness epidemic.
💳 Receive a $25 participation gift card (for the first 25 RSVPs).
🤝 Collaborate with fellow students and community leaders.
🏆 Compete for a $250 grand prize.

Register to join: https://forms.gle/9s3VJB5PgjdrBqxH7

🚨POSTPONED: Due to anticipated inclement weather, this weekend’s Design for Social Good Workshop has been postponed.📅 Ne...
01/30/2026

🚨POSTPONED: Due to anticipated inclement weather, this weekend’s Design for Social Good Workshop has been postponed.

📅 New Dates: February 20 – February 21

We look forward to seeing you then, North Carolina!
There is still time to RSVP if you haven’t already! Visit the link 🔗 in our bio for more information.
————————————————————————————
Interested in solving real community challenges?

invites you to join us for our Designing for Social Good ( ) Workshop on FEBRUARY 20-21, 2026, at the North Carolina Central University Rural Health Hub, hosted in collaboration with Eshelman Innovation and the OIC of Rocky Mount.

Together with NCCU students, attendees will explore the root causes of food insecurity and mental wellness, share lived experiences, and co-create practical ideas that support a stronger, healthier Halifax County.

During this 2-day event, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Harness the power of design thinking to create impactful solutions.
• Present your solutions to business professionals.
• Enjoy free breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Receive a $25 gift card.

We look forward to innovating with you!
NorthCarolina

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325 Pacific Avenue
San Francisco, CA
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