BLACK ENTREPRENEUR WEEK ARIZONA Empowerment takes center stage AUGUST 3-8, 2026 PHOENIX - TEMPE - CHANDLER
WHAT IS BLACK ENTREPRENEUR WEEK? Black Entrepreneur Week celebrates the founders, creators, and builders advancing our communities through innovation, ingenuity, and ownership. Through workshops, networking, and speaker panels, we deliver hard-to-find information, practical resources, and real connections — equipping a growing community of change makers with what they need to build.
SIX DAYS ONE MOVEMENT LAUNCH & LEARN Daily midday workshops — join virtually or in person — taught by experts in their field, from starting a side hustle to protecting your IP. FOUNDERS FASTRACK High-energy speed-mentoring that connects you one-on-one with founders who have already done it. SPEAKER & PANEL DISCUSSIONS In-person panels covering everything from access to capital to preparing your business for the next evolution in technology. PITCH BLACK COMPETITION Emerging founders and youth pitch live for grant funding and mentorship to turn momentum into progress. HEALTH & WELNESS Because building shouldn't cost your well-being — space to breathe, recharge, and reset before the finale. AWARDS CEREMONY A celebration of the legacy leaders whose longevity and service move the whole community forward. Clear the calendar. Black Entrepreneur Week packs a full week of hands-on workshops, real networking, a live pitch competition, and exclusive access to the capital, tools, and connections that actually move a business forward — all across the Valley. Come to learn. Leave with leverage.
PRESENTED BY ACRES Who’s behind it Archwood Community Resource Empowerment Strategy (ACRES) is a 501(c)(3) building a stronger Black community through community-minded entrepreneurship across the Phoenix area. Since 2016 we've met the barriers underserved founders face with real-world solutions that go beyond education — hands-on experience, exposure, and income-generating opportunity. Where vision meets opportunity. Archwood Community Resource Empowerment Strategy 500+ 10K+ BUSINESS IMPACTED ANNUAL ATTENDEES $9M 50+ REVENUE GENERATED FOR BUSINESSES JOBS CREATED
REGISTER BY DAY MONDAY, AUGUST 3RD LAUNCH & LEARN Starting a side hustle This workshop will help lay the foundation from identifying the need to understanding your audience. Virtual/The ARC 12-1 PM REGISTER Protecting Your IP In this workshop you will learn the basics and necessities of protecting what you build. REGISTER MIXER / FOUNDER FASTRACK Our guest speakers will address the various avenues of obtaining capital to help grow your business. Learn about traditional, CDFI’s, VC and investors. REGISTER LAUNCH & LEARN Minority Certification Learn about a business certification that can open up opportunities and networks. REGISTER CAPITAL CONNECTIONS Our guest speakers will address the various avenues of obtaining capital to help grow your business. Learn about traditional, CDFI’s, VC and investors. REGISTER Virtual/The ARC 12-1 PM Saltbox Tempe 6-9 PM Virtual/The ARC 12-1 PM Warrens Supper Club 6-9 PM TUESDAY - AUGUST 4TH LAUNCH & LEARN Leadership in Business In order to run and scale your business, you need clear vision and the strategy to lead the charge. REGISTER FUTUREPROOF FOUNDERS Industry experts discuss how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping small business. We’ll also learn about current tools we can immediately use without formal training. REGISTER Virtual/The ARC 12-1 PM Location TBD 6-9 PM LAUNCH & LEARN LAUNCH & LEARN Social Media Marketing This workshop will cover some of the insight and strategies when promoting your business on social media. REGISTER PIITCH BLACK COMPETITION Emerging founders and youth pitch live for grant funding and mentorship to turn momentum into progress. REGISTER Virtual/The ARC 12-1 PM Galvanize Phoenix 6-9 PM WELLNESS WIND DOWN We’ll wrap up the week by centering our well being with Arizona Wellness Collective. Experience light stretching, guided meditation and sound bowls healing during an elevating session. REGISTER AWARDS CEREMONY / ARCHWOOD 10 A celebration of the legacy leaders whose longevity and service move the whole community forward. We will also celebrate 10 years of impact with the movement that is Archwood. REGISTER The X downtown PHX 10-12 PM Location TBD 2-4 PM WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 5TH THURSDAY - AUGUST 6TH FRIDAY - AUGUST 7TH SATURDAY - AUGUST 8TH
WHAT YOU’LL LEAVE WITH Practical, hard-to-find information delivered by people who've built it — not theory, application. Direct access to founders, funders, and partners building alongside you, not just talking about it. A week that connects you to a growing network of change makers across Arizona, built to last well past August.
GET INVOLVED ADVERTISE WITH US Put your business in front of every founder, funder, and partner in the room. Ad space in the official Black Entrepreneur Week program is available in a range of sizes — from full-page features to quarter-page placements — reaching engaged entrepreneurs all week long. LEARN MORE VOLUNTEER Black Entrepreneur Week runs on people who show up for the community. We're looking for volunteers to help with day-of activities and behind-the-scenes planning — no experience required, just good energy. Tell us you're interested and we'll share the details. LEARN MORE PARTNER WITH US Black Entrepreneur Week is built in partnership with organizations investing directly in Black ownership and economic growth across Arizona. If your organization builds the same way, let's talk. LEARN MORE
Archwood Community Resource Empowerment Strategy is an Arizona based 501(c)(3) SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email us to discuss opportunities and how your support will make this a success.