Twende Summit is an annual experience that brings together 150+ entrepreneurs, corporate & community leaders, investors, and sponsors across Tennessee and beyond for a day of learning and support to: Elevate & recognize members in our Twende’ program; Equip Black and Latinx entrepreneurs with tools and resources to grow their business; and Engage Black and Latinx founders in joining Twende as we expand the program across TN.
The Twende Summit Reception – An Evening to Celebrate the Impact
Twende Summit kicked off with an invite-only reception where founders, sponsors, mentors and members of the entrepreneurial community came together to celebrate the EC’s impact. The evening came to life thanks to the support of working with the Equity, Inclusion & Community team at the EC and founders of color including Ashley Brooke James, Co-Founder of Triluna Wellness, and the team at Career Thrivers. A highlight of the night was a musical performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers (pictured below).
The Twende Summit- Amplifying Black Entrepreneurs!
The theme of the Twende Summit was Amplifying Black Entrepreneurs. On Friday, June 24, 2022, nearly 200 members of the entrepreneurial community and founders came together for a day of learning, networking, and celebration.
The EC welcomed Founder and CEO of Career Thrivers, Brittany N. Cole, to the EC as our first Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer earlier this year, which you can learn more about her background and role here. While Brittany has been a long-time friend and member of the EC community, we were thrilled to watch her bring the Twende Summit to life with a wonderful lineup of speakers which you can view here.
Congratulations to our Recipients of our Member Awards
- 2022 Twende Program Engagement Champion (Engagement of 80% or Above)
- Danielle Buntyon – Jades Elevation LLC
- Diana Sanchez-Vega – Sanchez-Vega Communications, LLC
- Twende 2022 Impact Award (Engagement of 80% + Reported YTD of 6-figures or above)
- Jay Morgan – Comstasis
- Twende 2022 Growth Driver Award (Reported YTD of 6-figures or above)
- Derrick Reives – UpSquad
- Twende 2022 Big Deal Award (Achieved biggest contractual deal in business + Reported YTD $50,000 or above)
- Marcus Blair – Omega Digital Solutions
Twende Marketplace + Crowd Favorite
Founders of the Twende program gathered to showcase their innovative ideas, products and businesses at the Twende Marketplace. Attendees were able to meet the founders, explore their ideas and vote for their top three favorites.
Powered by LaunchTN, winners took home cash prizes! Congratulations to our Twende Marketplace Winners:
- 1st place ($5K) – Rhonda Cammon, Perfectly Cordial LLC
- 2nd place ($3K) – Jonathan & Christopher Oye, Oye Coffee Co
- 3rd place ($2K) – Abigail & Kareem DaSilva, Edesia
What’s the Twende Program?
The Twende Summit is a part of the EC’s Twende accelerator for entrepreneurs of color looking to significantly grow their businesses and gain access to curriculum, coaching, and a supportive community. The program expanded statewide in Tennessee in 2021. Twende is Kiswahili for “Let’s go,” and is the spirit that drives the growth of the EC’s program for entrepreneurs of color.
Learn more about the program and apply HERE.
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