Supporting Black business owners in Richmond to build thriving, sustainable businesses.

Whether you’re just starting out or growing an established business, we’ve got culturally relevant programs, community connection and practical support designed for where you are right now.

Find Your Program
Explore Our Programs

What Are You Looking For?

  • LOOKING FOR INTENSIVE SUPPORT

    You're ready to commit to building strong foundations and sustainable growth. You need comprehensive support, personalized coaching, and a community of business owners on the same journey.

    BEST FIT: Our New Incubator (launching June 2026)

    Learn More

  • GROWING YOUR BUSINESS


    Your business is up and running, and you're ready to take it to the next level. You need targeted skills in finance, strategy, and operations to reach your goals.

    BEST FIT: Our Recurring Programming (monthly workshops & co-working)

    Learn More

  • STAYING CONNECTED

    You want to stay connected to what’s happening in Richmond’s Black business community, access resources and show up for fellow business owners

    BEST FIT: BLCK Street® Summit + our email community

    Learn More

  • SUPPORTING BLACK BUSINESES

    You’re looking to spend your money with Black-owned businesses in the Richmond region and need an easy way to find them.

    BEST FIT: BLCK Owned RVA (our directory and interactive map)

    Learn More

Our Programs

8 graduates and their instructors hold certificates at The JWC Foundation Community Business Academy December 2025 graduation ceremony, standing in front of the program logo.

Our New Incubator - launching June 2026

12 months of intensive support

We’re launching our reimagined incubator program: 12 months of intensive support for Black business owners ready to build sustainable, thriving businesses. This the evolution of our Community Business Academy, built to serve you even better.

What You Can Expect:

  • 12 months of intensive training & support

  • Small cohort for personalized coaching

  • Culturally relevant curriculum built for main street businesses

  • Access to micro-grants and critical resources for building your business

  • A community of fellow business owners who get it

Applications Open: June 2026

Program Launches: August 2026

Be First to Know
Participants engage and laugh during a JWC Foundation recurring programming session

Recurring Programming

Targeted learning for growing businesses

Monthly workshops, co-working sessions and hands-on learning focused on Finance, Strategy and Operations. Build practical skills in community with fellow business owners.

What You’ll Get:

  • Monthly skill-building workshops with expert facilitators

  • “Mind Your Business” co-working sessions for focused work time

  • “Books + Balance” bookkeeping support sessions

  • Real connections with other business owners

  • Open to all — show up when topics fit your needs

Investment: FREE

View Upcoming Sessions
An attendee stands to speak with a microphone during a BLCK Street Summit 2025 session, as other participants listen from tables in the conference room.

BLCK Street® Summit

A national gathering for Main Street businesses

An annual full-day conference bringing together current and aspiring business owners from across the country for workshops, connections, and real-time support. This isn't just another conference — it's where we roll up our sleeves and get real about building businesses in community.

What You’ll Get:

  • Hands-on workshops on the challenges you’re actually facing

  • Keynote speakers sharing practical wisdom (not just inspiration)

  • Real connections with fellow builders and creators

Next Summit: September 28, 2026

Register for 2026

Our Impact

500+

Black business owners supported since 2020

83

Incubator program graduates since 2022

120

Businesses launched or strengthened since 2020

725

Attendees at BLCK Street® Summit since 2021

These aren’t just numbers. Behind every number is a real person building wealth in their community, creating jobs and shaping Richmond’s economic future.

See Their Stories