ESSENCE is closing out 2019 with a bang.
Taking place Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 15 at West End Production Park in Atlanta, GA, the first-ever ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit and Target Holiday Market will elevate, educate and empower Black-owned businesses like never before. This immersive experience will bring over 50 Black-owned brands right to your fingertips in our interactive Marketplace, plus give you access to hear pro-tips on how to build your own business from the moguls you respect at our Entrepreneur Summit.
Additional dates and cities for 2020 will be announced shortly.
“For generations, Black women have been leaders in our communities and our culture, and for nearly 50 years, ESSENCE has served as a safe space for us to connect, share and support each other,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO, Essence Communications. “Today, Black businesses, particularly women-owned, are continuing to lead as the nation’s fastest growing group but are facing real barriers to success. With the launch of the ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit, we will powerfully convene this enterprising community of entrepreneurs and create a virtuous circle of economic empowerment that expands commerce opportunities and generates beneficial outcomes for Black-owned businesses positively impacting our communities. With the mission of the New Voices Foundation, we are thrilled to embark upon this partnership and particularly to launch this joint effort in the city of Atlanta.”
“We are pleased that ESSENCE has chosen Atlanta to debut this unparalleled experience,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “Atlanta is home to some of the most innovative businesses, and the ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit is an opportunity to highlight the vast spectrum of entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses in the city—showcasing Atlanta as a model for commerce while making a real economic impact in our community.”
Keep scrolling for a quick look at everything in store and then click HERE to grab your tickets to join us as we take the next step in building generational wealth by supporting the inspiring entrepreneurs who will continue to move our communities forward in excellence.
ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit
Fuel your business and brand via panels, masterclasses, and fireside chats with today’s leading executives, business moguls, and venture capitalists for masterclasses, panel discussions, and fireside chats. The New Voices Foundation, which helps women of color entrepreneurs achieve their vision through leadership development, skills-building and networking opportunities, currently has more than 10,000 women of color entrepreneurs on its platform.c
ESSENCE + Target Holiday Market
Enjoy live product demos, tutorials and shopping in our interactive holiday shopping experience designed to celebrate and support Black-owned brands and the local community. The market will be divided into five villages featuring products and services from premium Black-owned brands. Visit our Fashion Village, our Wellness Village, our Beauty Village, our Kids Village and our Food Village all in one setting!
New Voices Pitch Competition
Bring your A-game to the $100,000 pitch competition! The New Voices Foundation has hosted six pitch competitions across the country since July 2018 and will host its first pitch competition in Atlanta during the Summit. The Foundation will grant up to $100,000 in award money to Black women entrepreneurs during the New Voices Pitch Competition and will provide its signature support services including mentorship, coaching and masterclasses to help the winners address some of their immediate business challenges beyond capital. Sign up to pitch your business today!