Event Aims to Empower

More than 700 African American entrepreneurs and as many as 70,000 consumers are expected to attend the 12th-annual Black Business Expo Sept. 15-17 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The event will include workshops on money management, launching a business, franchising and investing, among other topics. Entertainment, food and a fashion show featuring top local black designers are also on the program, as is an “Africentric Dream Wedding” in traditional Zulu style. The all-expenses-paid wedding is offered annually as a contest prize.

The expo’s goal is to empower black-owned businesses, many of which lack marketing resources, and educate consumers about the quality of black-owned businesses, said expo Executive Director Harold Hambrick.

The event is presented by UHP Healthcare and sponsored by Family Savings Bank, Crenshaw Christian Center and many other corporations, community groups and publications.

Admission is $5, although some special events, including music and theater offerings, require separate tickets. Among the special events is a youth summit for future entrepreneurs. Interested youths may register by calling Fannie Butler, of Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Today, at (323) 299-7411.

For more information or to reserve exhibitor space for the expo, call (323) 290-4743 or visit https://www.blackbusinessexpo.com.