The fourth annual Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) Symposium was held on February 1, 2023, at the University of Washington Tacoma’s William W. Philip Hall. Over 200 participants attended the event in person, while 80 logged on virtually. The Seattle Public Library was a co-sponsor of the symposium, which aimed to serve and empower entrepreneurs and business owners to relaunch, revive, and expand their businesses in preparation for generational wealth and legacy building.
Jenefeness Franke, a principal collaborator of Black-Owned Business Excellence, expressed her excitement about having the community of Black business owners gather in person again. The online attendees were also able to access the incredible speakers and panels through the virtual conference. Participants found the symposium engaging, educational, and inspirational, with practical takeaways and resources. BOBE recorded the all-day symposium and has made it available through a Zoom link.
A post-event survey showed that more than 96% of respondents would recommend the BOBE Symposium to others in their network and attend future BOBE events. Participants praised the opportunity to learn from and build community with other Black business owners. Keynote speaker Dr. George Fraser, founder of the award-winning PowerNetworking Conference, was among the many compelling speakers and panelists, ranging from regional leaders such as Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, and State Senator T’wina Nobles. Regional business owners and community leaders led panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions focused on marketing, financial management, branding, leadership, operations, and nonprofit management.
Another highlight of the Symposium was when Black-Owned Business Excellence awarded five $1,000 grants to business owners. Keith Asphy, founder and owner of Presidential Transportation Service, was among the grant recipients. His company recently had a vehicle stolen and he applied for the grant to help with vehicle repair and replacement expenses. Asphy said that winning the grant gave him confidence that he could be awarded additional funds and motivated him to apply for other grants. Other grant recipients included Alexis-Jada Aborah of JS Beauty; Angela Clay of Liberate and Lather; Complete Driving Experience LLC; and Damithia Nieves of Thrive Centered (formerly Thrive Yoga).
Black-Owned Business Excellence is a new, volunteer-led 501c3 nonprofit collaboration of more than a dozen organizations that have helped organize the calendar of events, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, Washington State Small Business Development Center, and other civic and business organizations and state and city governmental agencies focused on the advancement of BIPOC businesses.
