As President and Co-Founder of Black BRAND, Blair Durham is leading a major three-day gathering aimed at accelerating more than $1 billion in regional economic mobility and expanding opportunities for Black-owned businesses.
Nationwide — Blair Durham, President and Co-Founder of Black BRAND, the Regional Black Chamber of Commerce serving Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, is bringing together more than 750 corporate executives, entrepreneurs, technology innovators, investors, and policymakers for the 11th Annual Black Diamond Summit. Scheduled for November 10–12, 2026, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, the three-day event will focus on creating new opportunities for Black-owned businesses, strengthening regional economic development, and building partnerships that can generate lasting wealth throughout Virginia.
Under the theme “Virginia Is for Business Lovers,” this year’s summit represents another major milestone in Durham’s mission to help minority entrepreneurs gain greater access to the resources, relationships, and financial opportunities needed to succeed. Through Black BRAND, she has worked to establish a stronger economic ecosystem for underserved business owners by connecting them with corporate decision-makers, government agencies, financial institutions, and influential organizations. Now in its 11th year, the Black Diamond Summit has become a major platform for entrepreneurship, business development, and economic empowerment, with this year’s gathering aiming to contribute to more than $1 billion in regional economic mobility.
A central focus of the summit will be expanding access to capital, corporate procurement opportunities, and emerging technologies for Black-owned and other minority-owned businesses. Participants will have opportunities to connect with institutional investors, corporate executives, and public-sector leaders while exploring strategies for securing contracts, expanding operations, and building sustainable enterprises. With leadership representation from Google, Bridging Virginia, Visit Norfolk, and state policymakers, discussions will also examine how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and public-private partnerships can help entrepreneurs compete in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
Another major highlight will be the LOVE Innovation Playground & Technical Assistance Zone, an interactive space designed to provide entrepreneurs with practical business resources, innovative tools, and professional guidance. The initiative will help business owners strengthen their operations, explore new technologies, and identify opportunities for growth. The summit is also supported by a coalition of community and business organizations, including the Urban League of Hampton Roads / Young Professionals, YMCA of South Hampton Roads, Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP), Envision Lead Grow, and United Way of South Hampton Roads.
For Durham, the Black Diamond Summit is about more than hosting an annual conference. It represents a long-term commitment to addressing economic disparities and ensuring that Black entrepreneurs have meaningful opportunities to participate in Virginia’s economic growth. By bringing influential business leaders and policymakers together with emerging entrepreneurs, the summit aims to transform conversations into partnerships, investments, and measurable economic progress. Business owners, corporate executives, investors, and community leaders interested in attending the November 10–12 event are encouraged to participate.
About
Black BRAND is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving as the Regional Black Chamber of Commerce for Hampton Roads and Central Virginia. Co-founded by Blair Durham, who serves as its President, the organization is dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and wealth creation within Black and underserved communities. Through business education, networking, advocacy, capacity building, and access to financial resources, Black BRAND helps minority-owned businesses expand their opportunities and achieve sustainable growth. Its signature Black Diamond Summit connects entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and policymakers to promote economic mobility and long-term prosperity throughout Virginia. Learn more at BrandBrand.biz
For press inquiries, contact Blair Durham at blair@blackbrand.biz or Jill Anwaar at jill.anwaar@blackbrand.biz