We are back on June 20th for our 10th year serving the Black business community.

Jefferson School City Center(233 Fourth St. NW)

Panel Discussions

Sat. June 20, 9 :15 a.m.Access Denied? Unlocking Capital, Contracts, and Opportunity”

Revenue comes from attained opportunity. Panelists will speak about what to look for and where to go to gain access to the resources needed to operate.

Panelists: TBA

Sat. June 20, 11 a.m.Marketing Strategy - Clicks to Customers: Turning Attention into Revenue”

The art of marketing and promotion will definitely increases exposure but that does not mean it will automatically convert to revenue. Create a marketing plan for success.

Panelists: TBA

Sat. June 20, 1 p.m.Leveling Up: Systems, Teams, and Strategies for Sustainable Growth”

Have you ever heard of the phrase, “I’m a systems person”? Is your business operating like a well oiled machine? The machine is the system and the parts are your team members.

Panelists: TBA

Business Pitch Competition

Sat. June 20, 3 p.m.Finance Your Idea” Pitch your idea to a panel of judges in under 3 minutes.

Sign up to participate

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

For the last two years, the Black Business Expo has teamed up with the JSAAHC’s Juneteenth Celebration to host a Dual Event in the courtyard area of the Jefferson School City Center, and this relationship continues to prosper. Since 2017, the Expo has showcased many amazing bands performed at the Black Business Expo including bands performing the genres of Reggae, Jazz, Soul, Go-Go, and Hip Hop by Mighty Joshua, Jen Tal Band, Vibe Riot, Afro Asia, Ebony Groove, and many others. The line up of performers will be announced soon.

Performers: TBA

Where Business Meets Fun & Engagement

A panel of five people seated at a table with a banner reading 'Charlottesville-Albemarle Black Expo Business' during an outdoor event. Behind them is a colorful mural and a stage with musical equipment. A man with dreadlocks wearing a yellow shirt stands in the foreground, facing the panel.
Musicians performing on stage, with a large logo in the background. The group includes a violinist, a singer with a tambourine, a guitarist, a bassist, and a keyboardist.
People gathered around a table at an outdoor fair booth under a purple canopy, engaging in conversation, with other vendor booths and vehicles in the background.
Group of diverse people on stage with musical equipment, smiling for a group photo during a performance or event.
Two women smiling and standing in front of a vibrant mural wall with black background, featuring colorful graffiti art and a large message that says 'THERE ARE BLACK PEOPLE IN THE FUTURE.' They are at the Black Business Expo.
Two women standing behind a United Way promotional table outside, with tents and other booths in the background.

Vendor Registration Form

If you own a Black owned business then we would love to have you as a vendor. There is no charge to be a vendor but spaces are available on a first come basis.

Non-profit organizations may also join, no matter of ethnicity but space is limited.

If approved, you will receive a confirmation email stating “YOU’RE IN!”

PRESENTING SPONSOR

1

The Office of Economic Development is the catalyst for public and private initiatives that create employment opportunities and a vibrant and sustainable economy. The office has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of strong economic momentum, expanded workforce pathways, and continued investment in entrepreneurship and placemaking.


2

WTJU nurtures community through music, arts, education, and human connection. WTJU envisions a community:

  • That is open-minded and curious

  • That is connected, sustainable, and nourishes well-being

  • That inclusively experiences music & arts

  • That encourages new voices and creative expression in music and storytelling


3

WVIR-TV is a television station in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, affiliated with NBC and The CW Plus. Owned by Gray Media, the station has studios on East Market Street in downtown Charlottesville, and its primary transmitter is located on Carters Mountain south of the city.


4

Charlottesville’s Rhythmic Contemporary for Hip-Hop, R&B and Mainstream radio station. We are a member of the Virginia Radio Co-op. Our goal is to provide a service to the city of Charlottesville and surrounding counties, by showcasing interactive Hip-Hop and R&B programming while maintaining an engaging presence online on social media and through our website.


5

Since our founding in 1943, whatever the challenge, the United Way of Greater Charlottesville brings people together to listen, learn, understand, and solve problems head-on. While the needs of our community have changed over time, our role as the convener, collaborator, and doer has remained the same.


6

The Albemarle County Economic Development Strategic Plan, adopted in August 2025, was built through a process grounded in data, shaped by local insight, and aligned with Albemarle County’s long-term vision. Guided by the vision “Albemarle County - Rooted in Innovation, Open for Investment” the plan outlines five strategic goals that will shape our economic landscape for years to come.


7

CIC’s mission is to strengthen our community and contribute to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, mentoring, financing, and networking.


8

The Indie Short Film Festival is a dynamic showcase of independent filmmaking, bringing together diverse voices and stories from around the world. It provides a platform for filmmakers to present their work and engage directly with audiences through screenings, panels, and live discussions. Attendees experience thought-provoking films they might not otherwise experience, fostering creativity, connection, and cultural exchange. The festival operates under a Joint Plan of Work with Virginia Organizing, which is a 501(c)3 and accepts tax-deductible financial contributions on our behalf.


9

CBS19 (WCAV) is the primary CBS-affiliated television station serving Charlottesville, VA, and the surrounding region, owned by the Lockwood Broadcast Group. Located on Rio East Court, it provides local news, weather, and sports, often covering community events and breaking news for central Virginia.


10

Stifel is a diversified global wealth management and investment banking company focused on building relationships that help individuals, families, and organizations pursue their financial goals.

The iconic image of the bull and bear shows the dedication and spirit of each member of our firm. We are individually and collectively committed to using the forces of the market to benefit our clients.


11

Marketing and Branding Company since 1993, providing marketing campaigns for non-profits, municipalities, private entities, and political clients. At this time, the company has 9 political clients in office. Lifeview has also produced various award winning narrative and documentary films.