Black Tech Week returned to downtown Cincinnati this week for its fifth year, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, students, investors, and corporate leaders for three days of networking, professional development, and workforce opportunities.
The three-day conference is a culture-driven experience powered by community and corporate collaboration. Thousands of students, entrepreneurs, sponsors, and investors come together for real connection and meaningful conversation.
Cincinnati is home to major companies and a growing start-up environment that BTW spotlights, along with some of Cincinnati’s vibrant neighborhoods full of great restaurants, coffee shops, and creative spaces.
Programming included a career fair, Ohio Opportunity Day, venture capital matchmaking sessions, and the “Find Your Ohio STEM Career Mixer,” connecting participants with employers and workforce resources across the state.
Each morning began with wellness programming focused on mindfulness and physical activity, offering attendees time for exercise and reflection before the day’s events.
Day-to-day events had something for everyone. Founders engaged in panel discussions and interactive workshops to connect with other professionals and investors. Investors had the opportunity to meet with entrepreneurs who are engineering investment-ready startups. Students built relationships, discovered internships and other meaningful opportunities to learn from experienced entrepreneurs/professionals.
Speakers included NPR producer and radio host Angel Suttle, Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun and CurlMix CEO Kimberly Lewis, who shared insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.
Hands-on workshops covered topics including building a LinkedIn presence, incorporating AI tools into business operations, and strategies for growing start-ups
One of the event’s main attractions was the Confidence Lab, which offered professional headshots, makeup touch-ups, styling services, and product giveaways to reinforce confidence in attendees and help them strengthen their brand.
Black Tech Week organizers will continue hosting meetups across Ohio through November. The next events are scheduled for Aug. 19 in Cleveland and Nov. 18 in Akron.