BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) – Entrepreneurs, business leaders, community organizations, and consumers from across Louisiana will gather in downtown Baton Rouge this summer for the inaugural Black Business Insiders Expo & Convention.
It’s a free three-day event designed to spotlight entrepreneurship, economic development, and community collaboration.
The event will take place Aug. 28 through 30 at the Raising Cane’s River Center and is being held in celebration of National Black Business Month. Organizers say the expo will offer a unique blend of business networking, educational opportunities, cultural experiences, and community engagement.
“This is more than just an expo,” said Chauna Banks, founder of the Black Business Insiders Expo & Convention. “It’s a platform created to strengthen Black entrepreneurship, increase visibility for businesses, and create meaningful opportunities that can have a lasting impact on our communities.”
The convention will feature business workshops, educational panels, networking events, vendor and exhibitor opportunities, corporate and community partnerships, and conversations focused on economic development. Attendees will also have access to entrepreneur resources and a business-to-consumer marketplace experience.
Banks said the event was developed to address the need for stronger business connections and greater access to resources for entrepreneurs throughout the region.
“When businesses thrive, communities thrive,” Banks said. “We wanted to create a space where entrepreneurs can learn, connect, and grow while also giving consumers an opportunity to discover and support local businesses.”
The expo is expected to attract a diverse audience ranging from startup founders and small business owners to corporate representatives and community leaders. Organizers believe the event can help strengthen the local economy by fostering partnerships and encouraging investment in businesses across Louisiana.
Community members can attend at no cost, while businesses and organizations still have opportunities to participate as vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners.
“Our goal is to bring people together and create opportunities that extend far beyond one weekend,” Banks said. “We want attendees to leave inspired, informed, and connected.”
More information is available here.
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