Black Entrepreneur Initiative

Black Entrepreneur Initiative

Uplifting Black creatives, entrepreneurs, innovators and business owners at Elon.

Our Mission

We are building a community for Black entrepreneurs and creatives, both current and prospective while facilitating a network for those interested in entrepreneurship, innovation and/or venture creation. We welcome Black students, faculty, staff and Elon alumni.

Our Vision

We will continue to support and engage Black entrepreneurs at Elon in all parts of their journey through networking events, programming, workshops, mentorships, community events, social media, marketing and advertising.

About

The Black Entrepreneur Initiative (BEI) at Elon was formed in the Summer of 2021 as an initiative of the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. It was started by Elon students Soniyah Robinson ‘23 and Kobie Williams ‘22, along with the Doherty Center executive director Alyssa Martina. It was created following a meeting at UNC, Chapel Hill with BEI founder and chapter leader Sherrod Crum. Together BEI@UNC and BEI@Elon are developing a state-wide organization. A third chapter has been formed at Fayetteville State University. BEI leaders hope that other schools will soon form chapters of their own.

At Elon, BEI has developed a student leadership committee and has identified several Black student entrepreneurs who are part of this initiative. BEI welcomes all Black entrepreneurs including faculty, staff, and alumni. It partners with other Black student organizations and centers at Elon and hopes to develop strong ties with the university’s Black alumni.

BEI@Elon is also looking for Black entrepreneurs in North Carolina and beyond to mentor student entrepreneurs and welcomes the support of the greater community.

Have questions?

If you have any questions or would like to join BEI at Elon, find a mentor or be featured as a creative, email bei@elon.edu.