
Introducing the Next EAS: Empowering Entrepreneurs for the Next Economy
NYBLACKMBA + bccelerator, Inc. are proud to unveil the next evolution of the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Series (EAS)—a dynamic, forward-thinking lineup designed to equip founders, builders, and business leaders with the insights and infrastructure to thrive in today’s business landscape. Join us on Friday, August 8 at the Morgan Stanley Financial District Office blocks away from Wall Street in New York City.
This EAS focus areas include:
- Franchising as a Scalable Pathway.
- Learn how to build, buy into, or expand a franchise system—whether you’re a first-time owner or scaling a multi-unit enterprise.
- Creating Partnerships, Joint Ventures & Cap Tables.
- Explore how to structure successful strategic collaborations and navigate equity ownership to drive innovation and long-term value.
- The New World of Contracting.
- From supplier diversity to federal and private procurement pipelines, uncover how to position your business to win high-value contracts and scale sustainably.
- Acquiring Existing Small Businesses
- Discover the advantages of purchasing established businesses, including how to identify, evaluate, and finance acquisitions for immediate cash flow and legacy growth.
In addition, we will host a Small Business Expo and Wall Street Mixer post the EAS. We look forward to supporting businesses in this new economy.
Entrepreneur Accelerator Summit (EAS) Sets New Standards in Empowering Startups
New York, May 21, 2024 – The fourth edition of “The Entrepreneur Accelerator Summit” (EAS), jointly presented by the Metro New York Chapter of the National Black MBA Association (NYBLACKMBA) and bccelerator, Inc., convened at Morgan Stanley’s New York City Financial District Offices on Friday, May 10, marking a transformative milestone in the entrepreneurial landscape. This summit, endorsed by prominent sponsors such as S&P Global, The Estee Lauder Companies, and Moody’s, in association with National Black MBA Association® chapters including San Francisco, Washington DC, Detroit, and Dallas-Worth, brought together trailblazing entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business resource partners under one roof to inspire, educate, and accelerate the growth of startups as well as small business owners.
With a diverse lineup of speakers ranging from seasoned entrepreneurs to funders to venture capitalists, the EAS provided invaluable insights, strategies, and networking opportunities for attendees. From keynote addresses to interactive workshops, participants gained actionable knowledge to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in today’s dynamic business environment.
“The EAS exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Norville Barrington, President at the Metro New York Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, and the Managing Partner of bccelerator, Inc. “We believe in empowering startups and small business owners by providing them with the necessary resources and connections to scale their businesses”.
Highlights of the EAS included a fireside chat with LaToya Wilson, Managing Director, Americas Head of Inclusive Ventures Group of Morgan Stanley; and powerhouse Townhall with Nic Cober, Esq, Founder of The BOW Collective and Shawn D. Rochester, MBA, Managing Director of the Trident Capital Group.
In addition, Morgan Stanley’s Small Business Academy featured Shendora Pridgen, Executive Director, Global Head of Supplier Diversity of Morgan Stanley focused on how small businesses can “Magnify Their Competitive Advantage”, while Shawn M. Graham CPA, Chief Administrative Officer & Executive Vice President of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) prepared businesses for “Operational & Financial Readiness to Scale Effectively”. Additional sessions featured Port Authority of the New York and New Jersey, The Export-Import Bank of the United States, Members of the The BOW Collective, Chase for Business, The New York City Department of Small Business Services, and remarks with from Michael J. Garner, Chief Business Diversity Officer of the City of New York, and Martin Vergara II, MBA, Managing Director, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Morgan Stanley. Please see the full lineup of speakers below of the 2024 Entrepreneur Accelerator Summit.
Since 2019, The Entrepreneur Accelerator Summit not only served as a platform for learning and collaboration but also as a catalyst for driving innovation and economic growth. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and providing access to resources, the EAS aims to cultivate the next generation of disruptors and changemakers.
As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the Entrepreneur Accelerator Summit play a pivotal role in shaping the future of business and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality.
For more information about the next Entrepreneur Accelerator Summit including the “EAS Caribbean Business Retreat 2025” and “Regional EAS” initiatives, please visit www.bccelerator.com


