Black Innovation Alliance

TIME magazine defines a Closer as a Black leader dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap. Dr. Kelly Burton, PhD , CEO of BIA, embodies that definition. At last week's TIME Closers Impact Dinner, Kelly took to the stage and emphasized the importance of the Closers list, highlighted BIA's achievements, and outlined the ongoing work ahead. “What an honor. I am so, so, so proud. We are so proud at Black Innovation Alliance? to serve as a Knowledge Partner for the Closer’s list. It's been an honor to walk alongside the TIME team from the inception of this concept and to see it come to fruition in this room. Founded in 2020, Black Innovation Alliance is a national coalition of organizations dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship and ownership. We were formed by a small group of ecosystem leaders, and today, BIA is 175 organizations strong. Yes. And they support over a half million entrepreneurs and innovators of color. In just three years, we've covered a lot of ground. We partnered with Congress to launch the Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation. We've partnered with UBS, the eBay Foundation, and others, some of whom are in this room, to launch the Decade of Black Innovation, launched a partnership with the Bahamas to drive entrepreneurship and innovation in climate tech. We've collaborated with the White House to connect communities of color to opportunities coming out of the federal government, and we've conducted the first ever study on digital entrepreneurship.” -? Kelly Burton, PhD Video credit: TIME #BlackInnovationAlliance

"You belong in any room that you enter!" - Shonda Rhimes Shonda Rhimes is currently the highest-paid showrunner in television history! Shondaland has given a ￡275m UK economy over the past five years. Imagine building a business that can help fuel economies and support over 5,000 businesses. Shonda's right; there is no alternative. Remember, you belong in every room. #Inspiration #womenshistorymonth #womeinmedia #blackwomen #womenwriters #blackwomenwriters #womencreators #womenentrepreneurs #blackentrepreneurs #mediamakers #blkcreatives #shondarhimes #bridgerton #dailyinspiration?

When was the last time you chose joy or to celebrate, no matter who was watching? Dr. Kelly Burton shared her decision to dance unapologetically during a concert in a recent episode of the "From Chains to Links" podcast. Even in something as simple as dancing, we can be leaders and movement makers. Joy is?contagious. It's?a protest, a declaration, a necessity. But sometimes, you have to be the one to?start the movement. Too often, we wait for permission to?fully embrace the moment—to celebrate, to show up, to take up space. But the truth is:?You don't need permission to live in joy.?If no one else will dance,?dance anyway. If no one else will celebrate,?be your own hype squad. And if you see someone dancing alone??Join them! Watch this full episode of "From Chains to Links" now on YouTube:?https://lnkd.in/ej5WUFeF #NewPodcast?#Podcast?#FromChainstoLinks?#BIA? #BlackInnovationAlliance?#Entrepreneurship? #Entrepreneurs?#BlackFounder?#BlackEntrepreneur #Joy

What’s Next for DEI? The question isn’t just about the future of DEI—it’s about?how we redefine and demonstrate impact?in a way that drives real, measurable change. That’s why we created a short?guide?to help you?transform how you showcase the power of your work. ??Did you find this guide helpful? Share it with a friend! #BlackInnovationAlliance?#BIA?#Entrepreneur #BusinessOwner #DEI #Funding #BusinessFunding #GrantFunding #StartUpFunding #Equity?

“The darkness of the tomb is the same darkness of the womb.” ?????? This powerful & #BOLD statement from my CEO, Kelly Burton, PhD , resonated deeply this weekend in Austin, TX at The Light House.? [Presented by The Tech We Want, a product of Omidyar Network.] It painted a vivid picture: while we may be navigating uncertain times, we are also in a period of rebirth—ushering in a new era where we, as a community, can shape the world we want to see. ? I left Austin feeling rejuvenated by the incredible conversations, the #networking moments, and the inspiring speakers who shared their wisdom. ??From: ?Lili Gangas (Kapor Center) ?Katy Knight (Siegel Family Endowment ) ?Katarina Czarniak (P150) ?Katya Hancock (Young Futures) ?Anamitra Deb (Omidyar Network ) And more — each discussion was a testament to the collective power of philanthropy, innovation, and community-building. Of course, my favorite panel (and yes, I may be biased! ??) was on #philanthropy and how we can strategically deploy capital to drive meaningful change. The insights shared have sparked so many ideas that I’m eager to bring back to Black Innovation Alliance as we continue to do what we do best—build community and create pathways for impact. A huge thank you to everyone who made this experience so meaningful. Austin was incredible—from the conversations to the connections, even down to the legendary BBQ at Black’s! Until we meet again… ?? #SXSW #TheTechWeWant #Philanthropy #Innovation #Community

Quick Question: Who is the largest landowner in Tennessee? Honestly, it doesn’t matter—because Fawn Weaver and her business are sitting on over 800 acres of prime land. Let this be a reminder: Build big, dream bigger. Shoutout to Team Weaver for setting the standard! #BlackOwnership #BlackExcellence #FawnWeaver #GenerationalWealth #LandOwnership #BuildBigDreamBigger #BIAImpact #BlackInnovation #Innovation #BrandBuilding #Realestate #UncleNearest?

In a bold and inspiring move, Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, has reacquired her iconic brand from L’Oréal USA, stepping back into the role of President with an equity stake. This comes more than a decade after she sold the brand, which had reported net sales of over $27 million at the time. Lisa’s journey is a powerful reminder that exiting a company isn’t the end of the story—it’s a strategic move in a bigger playbook. Knowing when to sell, scale, and re-enter is a skill every entrepreneur should master. Here’s a question to reflect on: Are you building your business with a clear exit strategy, or creating a product that can be sold over and over again for maximum impact and profit? Congratulations to Lisa Price for reclaiming her legacy and showing us all how it’s done. #Entrepreneurship #ExitStrategy #CarolDaughter #LisaPrice #BlackInnovation #LegacyBuilding #BusinessGrowth #News #BlackEntrepreneurs #Womenshistory #WomenEntrepreneurs #Investment?

"My starting point is not what I see right in front of me, it’s knowing that in the end, we win." - Ifeoma Ike In our newest episode of 'From Chains to Links', Ifeoma Ike, Esq. shares how to meet the moment by focusing on what we can do right now, despite uncertainty. We may not see the end results our impact in our lifetimes. But that doesn’t mean the movement halts. It means we rest in our responsibility and focus on what we can do now, because in the end, we win. Ifeoma Ike, Esq. and Kelly Burton, PhD dives?deeper into how you can meet the moment and create lasting change in the latest episode of?'From Chains to Links'. Watch the full episode:?https://lnkd.in/eyzzgHrf #NewPodcast?#Podcast?#FromChainstoLinks?#BIA?#BlackInnovationAlliance? ?#Entrepreneurship?#Entrepreneurs?#BlackFounder?#BlackEntrepreneur #OneStepAtATime #Victory

This Women's History Month, we’ll be spotlighting 3-4 incredible women?leaders, honoring their contributions and the legacies they're?building. Here’s how you can get involved: ???? Tag the username (must be active?on social media) of a woman?leader who inspires you—someone whose achievements have made a real impact, whether in business, culture, activism, or beyond. Let’s acknowledge and celebrate her contributions and the recognition she truly deserves.?? #WomensHistoryMonth #WomensMonth #WomenLeaders #WomenSuccess #InspiringWomen #ImpactfulWomen #DearHer #WomenInLeadership #CelebrateHer #CelebrateWomen #HonoringHer

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible women in our network who are leading innovation, driving change, and building a better future. This week, we recognize: - Coach Servola Frazier, CEO – Founder, Motivate Enterprises LLC? - Chantel Cohen, LCSW, Certified Executive Coach – Founder, CWC Coaching and Therapy? - Shemekka Ebony Stewart-Isaacs – Founder, Black Girl Magic Market These powerhouse women are shaping industries, creating opportunities, and making an impact that will be felt for generations. Let’s celebrate their work and continue to support their journeys! Who are the women in your life who inspire you? Tag them in the comments! ?? #WomensHistoryMonth?#WomenInBusiness?#BlackWomenLead?#Leadership?#Innovation?#BlackInnovationAlliance?#BIA