Black Entrepreneur Initiative at Elon

The Black Entrepreneur Initiative (BEI) at Elon was formed in the Summer of 2021 as an initiative of the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. It was started by Elon students Soniyah Robinson ‘23 and Kobie Williams ‘22, along with the Doherty Center director Alyssa Martina. It was created following a meeting at UNC, Chapel Hill with BEI founder and chapter leader Sherrod Crum. Together BEI@UNC and BEI@Elon are developing a state-wide organization. A third chapter has been formed at Fayetteville State University. BEI leaders hope that other schools will soon form chapters of their own.

At Elon, BEI has developed a student leadership committee and has identified several Black student entrepreneurs who are part of this initiative. BEI welcomes all Black entrepreneurs including faculty, staff, and alumni. It partners with other Black student organizations and centers at Elon and hopes to develop strong ties with the university’s Black alumni.

BEI@Elon is also looking for Black entrepreneurs in North Carolina and beyond to mentor student entrepreneurs and welcomes the support of the greater community.

As an integral part of this initiative, the Black Innovation Matters, an annual conference that highlights Black Innovation and entrepreneurship, will take place in February 2022. To take part, please contact bei@elon.edu or amartina@elon.edu.