Black Innovation Alliance

TIME magazine defines a Closer as a Black leader dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap. Dr. Kelly Burton, PhD , CEO of BIA, embodies that definition. At last week's TIME Closers Impact Dinner, Kelly took to the stage and emphasized the importance of the Closers list, highlighted BIA's achievements, and outlined the ongoing work ahead. “What an honor. I am so, so, so proud. We are so proud at Black Innovation Alliance  to serve as a Knowledge Partner for the Closer’s list. It's been an honor to walk alongside the TIME team from the inception of this concept and to see it come to fruition in this room. Founded in 2020, Black Innovation Alliance is a national coalition of organizations dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship and ownership. We were formed by a small group of ecosystem leaders, and today, BIA is 175 organizations strong. Yes. And they support over a half million entrepreneurs and innovators of color. In just three years, we've covered a lot of ground. We partnered with Congress to launch the Congressional Caucus on Black Innovation. We've partnered with UBS, the eBay Foundation, and others, some of whom are in this room, to launch the Decade of Black Innovation, launched a partnership with the Bahamas to drive entrepreneurship and innovation in climate tech. We've collaborated with the White House to connect communities of color to opportunities coming out of the federal government, and we've conducted the first ever study on digital entrepreneurship.” -  Kelly Burton, PhD Video credit: TIME #BlackInnovationAlliance

Black innovators and Innovator Support Organizations (ISOs) often face immense challenges, from navigating systemic barriers to the daily pressures of running organizations. These challenges can lead to burnout, which is why our annual Sustainability Summit is such a vital space for growth, connection, and restoration. At our third annual summit in 2024, we brought together our members to learn, recharge, and build new strategies for success. With programming led by industry experts, we covered critical topics like innovation, operations, finance, and leadership—all tailored to address the unique needs of our community. Our members left feeling empowered with practical skills to integrate AI into their work, foster meaningful partnerships, and streamline internal operations. This event wasn’t just about learning—it was about creating the confidence and tools to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. #BIASustainabilitySummit #BlackInnovation #Leadership #BlackInnovationAlliance #Tech #AI #Innovation #BlackInnovators

We proudly support Black-owned businesses throughout the year. This holiday season, we are excited to present our inaugural BIA Holiday Gift Guide, highlighting a selection of Black-owned businesses that we love and support. The list features gifts for all ages — items that speak to your mind, body, and soul. From coffee to games, we've got it all. To view the complete holiday gift guide and find the perfect gift, visit https://lnkd.in/eYVPHAGy Let's use our collective power to support Black businesses this season. Share this post to give these businesses more visibility. We want to applaud the amazing Black businesses and creators that we featured on the list: BVP Coffee Co. Brooklyn Tea Maison Noir Wine Try Deas and Other Treats Zach and Zoe Sweet Bee Farm Yes I Am Clothing Brain Love Eastside Golf The Rad Black Kids Actively Black The Equity Mindset by Ifeoma Ike, Esq. Ike Believe in You Money by Jessica Norwood Making Dough: A Young Entrepreneur’s Tale by Bruce Dunams, DBA, PMP Dump the Junk by Coach Servola Frazier, CEO Body By Love Inc. LAMIK Beauty Scotch Porter Black Girl Sunscreen Young King Hair Care Beautiful Curly Me University of Dope Puzzle Huddle Cise AutoPilot Be Rooted #BlackBusiness #BlackInnovationAlliance #SupportBlackBusiness #GiftGuide #BlackEntrepreneurs #WomenEntrepreneurs #BlackInnovators #BlackMedia #Blackownedbusiness #HolidayGift #Gift

Our data is colonized—but It doesn't have to be. Jamaa Bickley-King explained in his interview on the "From Chains to Links" podcast that a lot of our data is institutionalized and controlled by systems that don't represent us or our stories. But here's the good news—we can change that. By training data sets and creating AI models that reflect our culture, history, and experiences, we can reclaim ownership of our data and ensure that AI accurately represents us. We can also have data sovereignty and protect our digital footprint. Join the conversation, share your thoughts below, and watch the full episode now on our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/e5UGMut8 Stream the latest episode of the "From Chains to Links" podcast on your preferred platform. Kelly Burton, PhD Ifeoma Ike, Esq. #BlackInnovation #AI #DataOwnership #FromChainstoLinks #BlackInnovationAlliance #BIA #BlackInnovation #BlackInnovators #BlackTech #BlackEntrepreneurs #FromChainstoLinks #Blackownedbusiness #DataSovereignty

How did BIA develop programming for 2024? We built programming on a collective vision, listening directly to our members. At the start of 2024, our team and Black entrepreneurs from across the country came together in Atlanta, Philly, and Kansas City for our Member Forums—moments that set the tone for the year. In each city, members sat with staff to break down their challenges as ecosystem builders. These moments weren’t just about identifying pain points but about laying the foundation for collective momentum. These gatherings weren’t just conversations but a powerful demonstration of what happens when Black innovators claim space, share their experiences, and discuss solutions. Because of these forums, BIA shaped programming that met members where they were, providing tools and resources to address fundamental challenges and fuel innovation. #BlackInnovationAlliance #BlackInnovation #BlackInnovators #BlackEntrepreneurs #DecadeofBlackInnovation #Entreprenuers #Innovators #SupportBlackBusinesses #Builders #Creators #Artist #MemberMomentum

Bruce Montgomery is a trailblazer in Chicago's Business, Technology, and Cultural communities. As the Founder and President of Montgomery & Company, Bruce leads a digital media and technology enterprise that bridges innovation and communication. Beyond business, Bruce's influence extends to the airwaves as the founder, executive producer, and host of Technology Access Television, Chicago's longest-running TV news show dedicated to technology and innovation. In recent years, Bruce launched a radio show called "Bruce on Business" on WVON. In Chicago's Englewood community in 2017, Bruce launched The Entrepreneur Success Program (ESP), an initiative that provides free small business counseling, business development workshops, entrepreneurial education, access to capital, and personal credit & money management services. Under Bruce's guidance, ESP has graduated over 180 participants, empowering individuals to turn dreams into reality. When asked in an interview with Southside Drive Magazine why he started the ESP organization, he explained: "I started the program because I believe Black ownership and Black innovation are the keys to us getting out of our own way and letting the creativity that naturally wells up inside of us find expression." In Chicago, his influential work led to establishing the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. In 2022, Illinois Governor Pritzker appointed Bruce to the Commission. Amplify Bruce's work by reposting it and sharing it with your network. Connect with him here: https://lnkd.in/eE4pjPYP #MemberMonday #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Empowerment #Leadership #UnderrepresentedEntrepreneurs #CommunityBuilding #BlackInnovationAlliance #BIA #BlackMedia #ChicagoEntrepreneurs

What does it mean to build momentum in a system not designed for our success? It means navigating challenges and redefining the game. As innovators and leaders, our members continue to do just that. Every connection made and challenge tackled together stands as proof of the power and resilience within our community. Their work doesn't just make a difference—it is the difference. 💡✨ Join us as we honor the moments, celebrate progress, and amplify the movement our community is creating through our Member Momentum series. We're dedicated to keeping the momentum going! ✊🏿 #BlackInnovationAlliance #BlackInnovation #BlackInnovators #BlackEntrepreneurs #DecadeofBlackInnovation #Entreprenuers #Innovators #SupportBlackBusinesses #Builders #Creators #Artist

We all deserve space to experiment, explore, and frolic. Christin "Cici" Battle, reminds us that creating space for rest, play, and community is essential not just for avoiding burnout, but for transforming how we live. By intentionally choosing rest and connection, Cici not only reshaped her personal culture—the way she speaks to herself, the actions she takes for her well-being—but also began to influence the culture of her family. Her story is a powerful reminder: when we prioritize joy and balance, we create ripples that extend far beyond ourselves. Share how you prioritize "frolic" in your life and work in the comments. #FrolicCulture #WorkLifeBalance #Rest #DecadeofBlackInnovation #BlackInnovation #BlackInnovationAlliance #MentalHealth #BlackJoy #FrolicFam #FrolicCulture #Wellness

"Power is the ability not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person." — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. We understand the profound truth in Chimamanda's words: stories are shaped by power—who tells them, how they are told, and whose voices are heard. Too often, the stories of Black people have been overshadowed or rewritten by systems that fail to reflect our creativity, resilience, and innovation. That's why we're committed to shifting the narrative. How are you working to reshape the narrative in your community or industry? We'd love to hear your experiences—share them in the comments below! #DecadeofBlackInnovation #BlackInnovationAlliance #Innovation #BlackInnovators #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackMedia #Media #Art #Storytelling #BlackWriters #BlackAuthors #BlkCreatives #BlackCreators #BlackArtist #AfricanArtist

📣 Big news: Season 2 of Black Innovation Alliance's podcast “From Chains to Links” is available on YouTube, and your girl is featured. And let me keep it a buck: While I enjoyed every minute of the conversation with Rahama Wright, our episode isn't even my favorite this season. Kelly Burton, PhD and Ifeoma Ike, Esq. have created a space to share powerful narratives of resilience, creativity, and strength, featuring visionary guests all working toward economic empowerment and community well-being. And this season, they sat down with so many people I admire and respect, folks like ❤️🖤💚💛ERIN (Ear-in) HORNE MCKINNEY, M.A. ❤️🖤💚💛 and Tiffany Norwood, who have been mentors and champions for me and so many other Black women founders. Don’t miss any of these episodes—subscribe now: https:/ https://lnkd.in/d_N2PDup #FromChainsToLinks #DecadeOfBlackInnovation #DoBI #SubscribeNow #NewPodcast #NewPodcastAlert