Black Business Expo, WHY?
A Black business expo is essential for multiple reasons. It serves as a platform for small businesses to showcase their products and services, contributing to economic empowerment within the community. It creates valuable networking opportunities and fosters collaborations among entrepreneurs, facilitating business growth and expansion. The expo promotes community support for Black businesses, which is crucial for financial stability and sustainability. It promotes diversity and representation in the business world, highlighting the talent, contributions and excellence of Black entrepreneurs. The expo provides inspiration and educational resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them succeed in their ventures. Lastly, it celebrates Black culture, heritage, and achievements, fostering pride, unity, and a sense of belonging within the community.
BLACK BUSINESS EXPO 2025
Get ready for an even bigger and better experience at the 2nd Annual Black Business Expo, hosted by The Well, taking place June 6-8, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida!
Following the tremendous success of our inaugural year, which brought together over 200 participants for three days of powerful networking, collaboration, and business growth, we are excited to continue fostering economic empowerment, community engagement, and business innovation.
This year’s theme, “Elevate, Innovate, and Thrive in 2025,” reflects our commitment to providing entrepreneurs, small business owners, industry leaders, and community advocates with the resources, connections, and knowledge they need to scale their businesses and amplify their impact.
Expect a dynamic lineup of expert speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities—all carefully curated to help attendees build relationships, gain valuable insights, and access tools for sustainable success.
A major highlight of the 2025 Expo is the launch of the 1st Annual Minority Business Awards (MBA) Gala & Fundraiser. This prestigious black-tie affair will celebrate entrepreneurial excellence, honoring changemakers, business leaders, and community advocates from Polk County and the I-4 Corridor who have made a lasting impact in their industries and communities.
Stay tuned for more details on speakers, sponsorship opportunities, and registration!
Schedule of Events!
Legacy Business Bus Tour
The 2nd Annual Black Business Expo celebrated Black entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and community collaboration. A highlight of the event was the Legacy Bus Tour, which explored local Black businesses and historical landmarks in Lakeland, connecting attendees to the rich history and impact of Black entrepreneurship. This year’s expo strengthened community ties, fostered business growth, and reinforced the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses.
Connect and Collaborate with the Best
Join us as we Elevate, Innovate, and Thrive in 2025! Whether you’re a startup, an established business, or a community leader, this Expo is designed to propel your vision forward and strengthen the ecosystem of Black-owned businesses in the region.
Expect a dynamic lineup of expert speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities—all carefully curated to help attendees build relationships, gain valuable insights, and access tools for sustainable success.
Minority Business Awards Gala
The 1st Annual Minority Business Awards (MBA) Gala and fundraiser event. This black-tie affair will celebrate excellence by recognizing entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers in Polk County and across the I-4 Corridor who have made a powerful and lasting impact. We will be going back to the Mariott, Springhill Suites venue, superbly suited for a night of celebration, entertainment, recognition and opportunity to provide continued support for minority-owned businesses.
MBA Gala (Dress-black-tie): 6pm; Location: Marriott Springhill Suites, 511 W. Lime Street
ARE YOU READY TO PITCH?
A Quick Pitch Business Competition is a fast-paced event where entrepreneurs and business owners present their ideas to a panel of judges in a limited time—typically 5 minutes for the pitch and 3 minutes for Q&A. Participants must deliver a compelling, concise, and persuasive presentation that highlights their business model, market potential, and competitive advantage. The competition provides an opportunity to gain exposure, receive valuable feedback, and compete for potential funding, partnerships, or mentorship opportunities.
Next Level Networking
Join us for the B2B Blender, a high-energy networking event designed to connect entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners. With 20 vendors showcasing their products and services, this event offers a unique opportunity to build partnerships, expand your network, and explore new business opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and grow!
Let The Praises Go up!
There is no better way to wind down an extraordinary weekend than with an inspiring gospel explosion, celebrating faith, resilience, and unity in the business community. Expect to hear soul stirring music, empowering words of affirmation wrapped up in a culinary delight of sumptuous foods that will surely make your day complete.
Vendor Registration
Get your products and services in front of your target audience. Increase leads and extend your business profile by exhibiting at the Expo.
Purchase Event Tickets
Enjoy a wide array of opportunities to connect and get your business in front of your target audience.
AD Registration
Placing an AD in the program show guide is an affordable way to build brand recognition.
Connect-Collaborate-Create-Celebrate
The mission of The Well is to provide a flexible space for small businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals to connect through education, training, networking, and culturally inspired programming. The Well is a high-design workspace that serves small and large businesses, non-profits and startups with a nod towards the underrepresented. The Well is a purpose-built environment that engages the community around common concerns and seeks solutions that will ensure a better place to live work and play for all. By embracing and valuing the unique contributions of a vibrant ecosystem, The Well provides the greatest opportunities to create and celebrate a productive and successful community.
