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

What if the solution everyone is waiting for starts with you?If you’re curious about innovation and entrepreneurship, we...
08/24/2026

What if the solution everyone is waiting for starts with you?

If you’re curious about innovation and entrepreneurship, we invite you to apply to join the Better Futures Pre-Accelerator, built just for HBCU students and alumni startup founders.

The Better Futures Pre-Accelerator is for early-stage business founders from HBCUs ready to validate their ideas, build a minimum viable product (MVP), and use tech to unlock growth.

Here is what you will get:
📚 A hands-on startup curriculum led by HBCU alumni
🤝 Paid advisor support throughout the program
💰 Non-dilutive funding opportunities to fuel your vision

📅 Apply: Aug 24 – Sept 4
🚀 Fall 2026 Program: Sept. 21 – Nov. 11
🎯 Spring 2027 Program: Jan. 4th - Feb.10th
🔗 hbcufi.org/pre-accelerator

What if the solution everyone is waiting for starts with you?
We believe great businesses begin when bold problem solver...
08/17/2026

What if the solution everyone is waiting for starts with you?

We believe great businesses begin when bold problem solvers recognize an opportunity to create impact.

If you’re curious about innovation and entrepreneurship, join us at our Pre-Accelerator Informational Session to learn how to validate your ideas, develop tech-enabled solutions, and take the steps toward building a venture of your own.
 
Our Informational Session Will Share:
* An overview of the 2026-27 Pre-Accelerator program structure and curriculum 
* Insights into the mentorship and resources available
* Success stories from program alumni
* Live Q&A to answer any questions 

Who Should Attend:
This event is ideal for HBCU students and alumni seeking structured support to kick-start their entrepreneurship journey. 
 
Register for the August 21st | 3 PM EDT | Informational Session: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_COJxVYlISDaJamE96_2HVw
 
Register for the August 31st | 6 PM EDT | Informational Session: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d2oXA7RnRjOUkZBuZQFSDA

It truly takes a community to make an event like the Better Futures Summit possible.🌟A heartfelt thank you to our incred...
07/02/2026

It truly takes a community to make an event like the Better Futures Summit possible.🌟

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible in-kind sponsors Washington Wizards Baltimore Ravens Busboys and Poets Kind Patches™ WellWithAll Create | Creatine for Everybody for your generosity, partnership, and belief in the mission of the HBCU Founders Initiative. Your contributions helped create an unforgettable experience for our founders, students, partners, and attendees.🤍

Because of your support, we were able to celebrate innovation, strengthen the HBCU entrepreneurial ecosystem, and invest in the next generation of changemakers.

Thank you for standing with us and helping make Better Futures possible. We are grateful to have you as partners in this work. 🫂



WellWithAll – Fruit Punch & Tropical Mango Energy Drink 🔋
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Beekeeper's Naturals – Propolis Immune Support Throat Spray 🐝
A natural immune-support spray made with propolis to help soothe the throat and support everyday wellness.

Beekeeper's Naturals – Kid’s Throat Soothing Lollipops 🍭
Gentle, naturally soothing lollipops made with bee-powered ingredients to help comfort scratchy throats.

Create | Creatine for Everybody – Creatine + Electrolytes Mix (Watermelon, Passionfruit & Lemon-Lime) 🏋🏽‍♀️
Stay hydrated and energized with delicious creatine + electrolyte blends designed to support performance, recovery, and everyday wellness.

Kind Patches™ – Feel-Good Fuel Patches ☀️
A convenient, wearable wellness patch that provides steady energy and focus—no pills or drinks required.

Partnership is what turns vision into impact.

To our in-kind sponsors, thank you for helping us create an experience that inspired, connected, and celebrated the next generation of HBCU founders. 🫂

We are honored to introduce the winners of our 4th Annual Better Futures Pitch Competition! 🏆We are inspired by their in...
06/23/2026

We are honored to introduce the winners of our 4th Annual Better Futures Pitch Competition! 🏆

We are inspired by their innovation and commitment to creating solutions that shape a better future.

Join us in celebrating them:

1st Place: Tendaji, Co-Founder Daryl Riley Jr., Hampton University + North Carolina A&T University

2nd Place: Dorm Glow Co., Founder Heaven Rowell, Howard University

3rd Place: ChipIn, Co-Founder Latisha Jones, Spelman College

06/23/2026

What a phenomenal two days! ⭐

100 attendees. $25,000 awarded. One shared vision: building a Better Future.

A huge thank you to our guests, speakers, mentors, partners, and supporters for making our inaugural Better Futures convening such a success.

Your commitment to accelerating innovation across HBCUs was on full display and continues to inspire our work.

Together, we’ll keep advancing our mission and investing in the next generation of founders.

Here’s to celebrating five years of HBCUFI and continuing to create impact for years to come. 🎊

Join us in congratulating our 2026 Finalists! ⭐️Representing 10 across the country, each founder has demonstrated de...
06/23/2026

Join us in congratulating our 2026 Finalists! ⭐️

Representing 10 across the country, each founder has demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and excellence throughout their journey.

We couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come.

How do great leaders build organizations that last? Meet us at our (June 18-19) in Washington, D.C. to find out. 🚀 Joi...
06/16/2026

How do great leaders build organizations that last?

Meet us at our (June 18-19) in Washington, D.C. to find out. 🚀

Join Alison Francis, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Costco, and Ken Denman, Managing Partner of Sway Capital, for an exclusive conversation on leadership, innovation, and navigating change in today’s business environment.

Drawing on decades of experience leading global organizations and serving in the boardroom, they will share practical insights on driving impact and creating long-term value.

📍 Hook Hall
📅 Juneteenth
🕥 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

🎟️ We’re 2 days away from the Better Futures Summit, and tickets are moving fast.

Meet us there by purchasing your ticket at: https://www.hbcufi.org/better-futures-summit.

06/09/2026

What happens when visionary founders from HBCUs are equipped with the capital, curriculum, and mentorship to turn bold ideas into thriving companies?
Join us at the Better Futures Summit on Juneteenth for The Next Chapter: Life After HBCUFI, a conversation with HBCU Founders Initiative alumni who have scaled innovative ventures, secured investment, and are helping shape the future of entrepreneurship. 🚀
📍 Hook Hall, Washington, D.C.
📅 June 19 | 9:30 AM–2:30 PM

🎤 Moderator:
Marlon Evans, Founder & President, HBCU Founders Initiative

⭐ Panelists:
• Ahriana Edwards, Founder & CEO,
• Kayla Wright-Jackson, Co-Founder & CEO, Transition
• D’Angelo Senat, Founder & CEO,

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

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325 Pacific Avenue
San Francisco, CA
94111

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