Updated for 2025: Practical AI & Business Moves
As Black entrepreneurs in 2025, it’s clear that surrounding yourself with people who truly get the hustle is non-negotiable. Well-meaning friends and family love you, but they often don’t understand the grind of running your own business, especially in today’s fast-evolving landscape shaped by AI, automation, and the booming creator economy. Staying stuck around those who don’t share your vision can leave you feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, and frustrated.
You MUST proactively expand your circle by connecting with other successful business owners who are pushing boundaries. Check out platforms like meetups.com, Eventbrite, or LinkedIn Events for local and virtual gatherings specifically for Black entrepreneurs. In 2025, there are powerhouse conferences like AfroTech in Houston, the Black Professionals Summit in Hollywood, and the Sistas In Sales Summit in Brooklyn — all packed with networking, workshops, and cutting-edge insights on leveraging AI tools, digital marketing, and new funding models to scale your business.
Don’t wait for opportunities to land in your lap. Use these events and online communities to build genuine relationships that open doors to collaborations, mentorship, and capital. Also, consider brushing up on your skills by taking courses in digital marketing, AI-powered sales automation, or even blockchain applications at your local community college or through platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
Finally, tap into resources celebrating Black business growth, such as National Black Business Month events and expos like the Black Business Day Expo in Los Angeles this August, which offer workshops on strategic networking, community engagement, and innovative funding beyond traditional loans — think crowdfunding, equity partnerships, and pitch competitions.
If you have fresh ideas or know of new resources, share them. We’re all in this together, building wealth and legacy on our own terms. Keep pushing, keep connecting, and keep growing.
My best in business,
