This semester, the Center for Black Entrepreneurship has prepared an exciting lineup of new events, program updates and more. From a new venture competition with a grand prize pool up to $65,000 and a new class offering, the CBE is making true on its goal to empower the next era of Black entrepreneurial talent.
"The Center for Black Entrepreneurship is thrilled to launch ‘Phase II,’ the next chapter in our mission to drive change. This vision is coming to life through an expanded team and dynamic new programs designed to empower and educate our students,” said Dr. Grant Warner, executive director of the CBE. “Initiatives like the New Venture Competition will provide critical funding and mentorship, while Intro to Venture Investing will equip budding entrepreneurs and investors with a deep understanding of the investment landscape. Through these efforts, we are not just expanding—we are transforming the ecosystem to create pathways for emerging Black founders, investors, and operators."
Last month, the CBE hosted its inaugural LIFT Demo Day. The event connected innovative entrepreneurs to critical resources, networks and opportunities with a goal of building a more 
inclusive, entrepreneurial ecosystem. The LIFT Demo Day was part of the Launch Incubator for Traction program, a new program that will provide 48 Atlanta-based early-stage Black tech founders access to mentorship, investors, education and other resources over the next three years. The LIFT program is the result of the $750,000 grant gifted to the CBE by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2023.
LIFT Demo Day was just one of the many exciting new updates and events coming to the CBE this semester.
On February 12 at 6 p.m., the CBE will host a mixer and information session for its first annual New Venture Competition, an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators across the Atlanta University Center. At the NVC, students and recent graduates will have the chance to jumpstart their new ventures and compete for prizes totaling up to $65,000. The NVC Kick-Off Mixer and Information Session is mandatory for anyone interested in applying or competing. To register, click here.
The CBE has also added a new course for students with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation. The course, SENT 354: Introduction to Venture Investing, provides students with hands-on experience selecting organizations for funding and explores the entrepreneurial journeys of companies like LinkedIn, Google, Amazon and more. Through this class, students will learn to connect venture capital theory with real world practices. SENT 354 is open to AUC students and does not require any pre-requisites in business, economics or finance.
As the CBE continues to grow with new programming and opportunities, it has also expanded its team to include new members. Dr. Laquita Blockson joined the team last year as associate director of the CBE. In this role, Dr. Blockson lends her scholarly, entrepreneurial and administrative expertise to the center’s academic programming. Prior to joining the CBE, Dr. Blockson served on the faculties of Florida International University, the University of Northern Iowa, the College of Charleston and Agnes Scott College, as well as visiting professorships with Shenzhen University in China and the University of Otago in New Zealand.
Khadijah Robinson, C’2011, has also recently joined the CBE as a program manager for the LIFT program. Raised in Savannah, Robinson has led an impressive career as a lawyer, entrepreneur and innovator in her years working in the legal and tech industries. Khadijah's expertise spans law, technology, and business development, with a deep commitment to creating equitable opportunities and supporting underrepresented founders. Passionate about community-building, she is involved in nonprofit work and initiatives that empower Black businesses and promote economic equity. Spelman College is proud to welcome her back to campus in this capacity.
Start-up ecosystem leader and cultural innovator Jordyn Weaver will serve as the CBE’s program manager, where she will help cultivate the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. With over five years of experience in the startup and venture capital space, Weaver has worked with industry-leading organizations like Goodie Nation, digital undivided, HBCUvc, and the HBCU Founders Initiative. She is now channeling her innovative spirit and commitment to cultivating the next generation of Black entrepreneurs through her role with the CBE.
Tiera Holmes recently joined the team as a program administrator for the CBE. Prior to joining the CBE, Holmes spent several years serving as a liaison in her local community by offering critical mental health resources and support to underserved populations. Focused on bridging the gap between education, empowerment and perseverance, Holmes is driven by her goal to create lasting change and hopes to one day expand her efforts to reach even more communities in need.
For more information about the CBE, please visit cbecenter.org.