JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 15, 2023 – PS27 Foundation is pleased to announce the first-ever Black Founders Forum at the Adam Herbert University Center on the University of North Florida campus on June 15, 2023, in celebration of Juneteenth. The highly anticipated conference will bring together Black entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the region.
A signature highlight of the event will be a pitch competition where five companies will be selected to pitch their idea to a live audience. The winning company will receive a venture capital investment of $250,000. Attendees will experience a day filled with networking opportunities and gain insight into how to raise venture capital and connect with investors. The program will also feature keynote speaker Carla Harris, senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley and a Jacksonville native.
The Black Founders Forum is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways (ABP). Created in 2019 to support the economic development of Black communities, including entrepreneurs, ABP is committed to supporting access to business education, coaching, banking products, and financing solutions.
"JPMorgan Chase believes in supporting Black entrepreneurs at all stages of their businesses,” said Byna Elliott, global head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase. “Our firm is proud to recognize and celebrate the efforts and achievements of Black business owners and is dedicated to providing them with the tools and resources to thrive."
Another highlight of the conference is the Black Founders Showcase, which will bring together industry-leading venture capitalists, who understand the power of diverse portfolios, to share insights on accelerating value and accumulating market share. In addition, over 30 Black-owned companies will be onsite to showcase their products and services throughout the conference.
"The goal of this forum is to attract and inspire more people to become entrepreneurs and innovators. Founders will learn how to build sustainable businesses that create jobs, positive returns for shareholders, and personal wealth," said Jim Stallings, CEO of PS27 Ventures.
This unique forum will inspire new entrepreneurs to start and continue their life's journey through the challenges presented by the markets and society. Founders can apply to be in the Black Founders Showcase and pitch competition by visiting ps27foundation.org.
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About PS27 Foundation
PS27 Foundation provides educational resources to early-stage companies and startups to help them achieve sustainable growth. We deliver training and education through classroom lessons, company site visits, comprehensive mentoring, and distance learning. We are interested in working with all founders, including those who may be disabled, veterans, women, and people of color.
Advanced techniques and equipment are used to enable an environment that promotes learning and collaboration. PS27 Foundation is constantly working to form strategic partnerships with local and national organizations and the government to create jobs and improve the community. You can learn more at PS27Foundation.org.