Portsmouth, Va. (WAVY) — It is Black Diamond Weekend, which includes three days of learning, networking and uplifting Black businesses in the Hampton Roads area.
More than 400 business owners registered to learn game-changing skills from Nov. 7- Nov. 9 at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel.
Concluding with the ‘Diamonds In The Sky House Party,’ tickets are still available for VIP, All-Access and Saturday-Day Pass ticket holders.
“This is the biggest Black Diamond weekend we’ve held from an expansion of content perspective. The level of talent that we’ve been able to attract to the conference, the depth of content,” said Blair Durham, Black BRAND, Hampton Roads Black Chamber President. “They’re getting real nuggets that they can utilize immediately to transform their business to scale their career. They’re meeting people that are going to help them to achieve next steps with their businesses.”
“Jenifer Lewis brought a message of hope and of grace and of strength. I’m speechless just at the thought of the impact that was able to be made in such a short period of time,” said Durham.
On Friday night, John Hope Bryant, a financial literacy expert and businessman, shared words of encouragement during the 9th Annual Black Diamond Affair Gala.
“[Bryant] said if everyone has the information, then everyone is able to succeed. This is a matter of not knowing what we don’t know. The fact that our organization works to close that knowledge capital gap… it’s super important. It’s vital,” said Bryant.
The weekend offered more than 40 hours of wealth building courses.
“Access to capital is likely the largest barrier faced by Black entrepreneurs. It’s really about how to help entrepreneurs think about what they need before they even need capital. That business advisory team that is so important, those accountants, those attorneys helping to strengthen the foundation of the business so that they can then think about scaling,” said Durham.
Participants were invited to enjoy the VIP Brunch Cruise Sponsored by Dominion Energy on Saturday afternoon.
“Our attendees will be able to learn a little bit more about the offshore wind project and the opportunities that are available,” said Durham. “It’s been an honor to partner with the City of Portsmouth, really to amplify the great work that they are doing to support small businesses. A frontrunner in offering grants to help those that are just starting businesses to move forward. That’s not something that anybody else in the region is doing in the Black community, the Black business community has benefited tremendously.”
Dr. Boyce Watkins will deliver the closing statements, sharing insights on securing capital, navigating investment rounds, managing investor relations and finalizing deals, according to the website.
Learn more about Black Diamond Weekend.