The City of Minneapolis is marking Black Business Week 2026 with a packed lineup of events designed to celebrate, connect, and invest in the Black business community. From professional development conferences and certification workshops to street markets and community festivals, the week runs July 23 through Aug. 2 and offers something for entrepreneurs, creatives, shoppers, and community members at every stage.

Here is a full breakdown of every event.

Roho Ignite Prelude Event

Thursday, July 23 | 5 to 7 p.m.
Roho Gallery and Cultural Arts Center, 520 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis

The week kicks off a day early with a prelude event hosted by ROHO Collective at Roho Gallery and Cultural Arts Center. Roho Ignite sets the tone for the week ahead with an evening gathering for Black creatives, entrepreneurs, business owners, and BIPOC artists and their supporters.

Roho Ignite Black Business Week Conference

Friday, July 24 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis

ROHO Collective hosts a full-day professional development conference at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The conference is designed for Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and business owners, with BIPOC artists and their supporters also welcome. Registration is required.

Black Business Week Street Mall

Saturday, July 25 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Capri Plaza, 2027 W. Broadway, Minneapolis

Head to The Capri Plaza on Saturday for the Black Business Week Street Mall, a free, open-to-all outdoor event on West Broadway. Shop from local vendors, meet local business owners, enjoy live entertainment, and learn about the culture and impact of Minneapolis’ Black business community. No registration required.

Black Business Week Kick-Off Summit

Monday, July 27 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coliseum Building, 2708 Lake St. E., Minneapolis

Organized by the City of Minneapolis, the official Kick-Off Summit launches the core week with a day of inspiration, learning, and networking. The schedule includes:

9 to 10:15 a.m.: Breakfast and welcome remarks

10:15 to 11:30 a.m.: Workshops covering how to build a strong business, how to grow a textured hair care business, and how to start a podcast, plus a live hair-braiding demonstration.

12:15 to 1:15 p.m.: Keynote address from Sheletta Makes Me Laugh on the theme “Let Your WHY Build Your WEALTH.”

All day: Resource tables and building tours.

Registration is required.

Contracting and Business Certification Workshop

Tuesday, July 28 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MEDA Minneapolis Office, 1256 Penn Ave. N., Minneapolis

Organized by MEDA, this workshop is built for business owners looking to win contracts and obtain official certifications that can help grow their companies. Topics covered include an overview of the Central Certification (CERT) program, state of Minnesota and federal minority business certifications including MBE certification, City of Minneapolis changes to SUBP certification requirements, and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. Registration is required.

The Black Business Exchange

Thursday, July 30 | 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The Camden Social, 4601 N. Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis

Organized by West Broadway Business and Area Coalition, the Black Business Exchange brings together business owners and expert advisers for an evening of networking and one-on-one guidance. Participants can connect with experts in marketing and branding, accounting and taxes, food and restaurant operations, commercial real estate and small business development, legal services, and business insurance. Registration is required.

Keep Your Business Running When You Can’t: A Wellness Workshop

Thursday, July 30 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Black Business Enterprises, 1128 Harmon Pl., Suite 200, Minneapolis

Also on Thursday evening, Mind the Crown hosts a hands-on workshop for entrepreneurs navigating burnout or unexpected life events. The session focuses on how to protect your business when you need to step away and includes guided reflection and group discussion, a CEO energy statement activity, and help building a personalized plan. Registration is required.

Business Roundtable and Parking Lot Festival at African Development Center

Friday, July 31 | 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
African Development Center, Minneapolis

African Development Center hosts a full day of business and community programming to close out the official week.

8 to 10 a.m.: Breakfast roundtable with a featured speaker and networking.

10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Parking lot festival with food and drink, local vendors, music, and activities.

TASTE at NEON

Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2
NEON Collective Kitchens, 2041 W. Broadway N., Minneapolis

Friday, July 31: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 1: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 2: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Organized by the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), TASTE is a three-day event for current and future food business owners and the broader community. The event features food trucks, local vendors, caterers and restaurant owners from North Minneapolis, and tours of NEON’s new Collective Kitchens.

Friday evening kicks off with a learning session on starting a food business, licensing, and finding resources. Saturday and Sunday feature a food market, tastings, and community networking. Registration is required.

Black Business Summit and Market at The Northside Epicenter

Saturday, Aug. 1 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Northside Epicenter, 705 42nd Ave. N., Minneapolis

The Northside Epicenter hosts a community celebration of culture and business with more than 20 Black-owned businesses on site, free herbal education classes, free haircuts at the on-site barbershop, food trucks, activities, and community resources. The day also features the Black Business Summit Pitch Competition from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is required.

For registration links and additional event details, visit the City of Minneapolis website.

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