Black Entrepreneurs Summit: Establishing Your Business For a Lifetime of Success

Professionals everywhere have been exploring entrepreneurship at unprecedented levels, especially those among underrepresented and underserved communities. Recent data from a LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Index reinforced that entrepreneurship is on the rise: more than half (51%) of professionals see themselves venturing out on their own for their next role -- either starting a business or freelancing.This is even more true in the Black community as professionals reevaluate not just where they work, but how and why they work during the Great Reshuffle. For those who didn’t feel valued at work, wanted more flexibility and financial freedom or simply felt burned out, entrepreneurship presents itself as a promising path. Black women, in particular, have gravitated toward entrepreneurship at increased rates. In fact, 17% of Black women are in the process of starting or running new businesses , compared to just 10% of white women and 15% of white men. Yet, despite this early lead, only 3% of Black women are running mature businesses and are 2X as likely to be turned down for loans.

With businesses owned by Black women being one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, it is critical that we elevate this talented and dynamic group of business leaders while also helping them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. It’s this mutual and shared commitment to equity and an acknowledgment of the complex obstacles Black women face as entrepreneurs that behooves us to continue to create equitable spaces for all.?

This Black History Month, LinkedIn is supporting Black businesses and entrepreneurs proudly and wholeheartedly. Through our platform we’ll be elevating and amplifying the stories of Black business owners, entrepreneurs, and multi-hyphenate professionals. To further this mission and support Black businesses and entrepreneurs, we’ve announced a new $500,000 grant to support programs and organizations that advance and accelerate Black Entrepreneurship. We’ve taken a closer look at the skills Black entrepreneurs need to thrive and have unlocked? LinkedIn Learning courses to help educate and propel entrepreneurs forward. We hope these research insights, resources, and events are sparking necessary and valuable conversations during this time. Learn more about our #BlackHistoryMonth programming below.

Continue learning the skills needed to thrive as a Black entrepreneur

Join LinkedIn’s Black Entrepreneur Summit to learn live from experts. One of the best ways to learn is to join your community at a live event. On February 22nd, LinkedIn is hosting live events on the LinkedIn platform to equip Black entrepreneurs today. RSVP at one of the links below:

• 8 am PT: The Rise of Black Entrepreneurship in the U.S. with Marissa Cazem , Seyi Kukoyi , and Melinda Emerson | RSVP here
• 9 am PT: Unlocking Community and Resources to Thrive with Chris Arceneaux , Guy Kawasaki , Jay Clouse , and Marissa Cazem | RSVP here
• 12pm PT: Allyship in Action - Unconscious Bias with Trish Lindo and Stacey Gordon | RSVP here

Learn the right skills for entrepreneurs. We're offering LinkedIn Learning courses for free to help you take advantage of the Great Reshuffle. Check out this unlocked content anytime from February 14, 2022 - March 14, 2022.?

• Become a Project Management Entrepreneur with Seyi Kukoyi and Bonnie Biafore and Bonnie Biafore
• First Five Things You Have to Do to Start a Business as a Creator with Mitchel Dumlao
• Become Your Own Boss with Melinda Emerson?
• 43 Ideas for Starting a Side Business with Dana Robinson
• Start a Business Online with Naomi Simson