Athene Black & Brown Business Summit 2025

The award-winning, Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo was created by national stakeholders to elevate all small businesses together, assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training, and provide resources to help small businesses grow and prosper.

The fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, held April 16 and 17, will bring everyone from entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals together in West Des Moines, Iowa. The Summit includes a pitch competition, breakout sessions led by top experts, Mel Essex Award Entrepreneur of the Year Award, inspirational keynote speakers and more. Our goal is to help advance the business community across the country and position Iowa as the best place in the nation to start and lead a business.

1. Bigger Venue, Bigger Impact - Due to incredible growth, we’re moving to the West Des Moines Sheraton, where we are predicted to host over 500 attendees. This new venue ensures plenty of room for networking, learning, and celebrating the achievements of business owners.
2. Choose Your Own Adventure: Exclusive Bus Tours - Kick off the summit on April 16th with a special "Choose Your Own Adventure" bus tour, visiting successful businesses in the region. Hear firsthand about their “secret sauce” to success and enjoy a “taste of success” with dinner at a locally-owned restaurant, learning what it takes to thrive in the food industry.
3. Christine Ha: An Unforgettable Keynote Speaker - We’re thrilled to welcome Christine Ha, the blind cook who captured the world’s heart as the winner of MasterChef Season 3. A James Beard Award finalist, bestselling author, and advocate for disability inclusion, Christine’s story will inspire entrepreneurs and leaders to push past obstacles and reach new heights.
4. Expanded Arts, Entertainment, and Cultural Experiences - Prepare for an immersive celebration of culture with exciting arts and entertainment elements infused throughout the summit. This will be an experience unlike anything you’ve seen before.
5. Pitch Competition with a $152,000 Legacy - The Pitch Competition, presented by exclusive pitch partner Bank of America, is back with more opportunities to support innovative entrepreneurs. Over the past four years, we’ve awarded $152,000 in prizes, fueling businesses across the nation. Don’t miss the chance to witness game-changing pitches. Application deadline is Jan 31st. Click here for details: https://wdmchamber.org/bbbs-pitch-competition-info
6. Bigger and Better Small Business Expo - This year’s Small Business Expo is expanding to two days. Business owners can showcase their products and services at the expo during the summit and the ever-popular Welcome Party & Small Business Expo on April 16^th at Smash Park. CLICK THE REGISTER BUTTON AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE TO SIGN UP AS A SMALL BUSINESS EXPO PARTICIPANT >>
7. Near 100 Expert Speakers and Breakout Sessions - From cutting-edge topics like AI and advanced tools to essential insights on marketing, health & wellness, legal matters, and more, our breakout sessions will feature nearly 100 speakers, experts, and presenters ready to equip you with actionable strategies for growth.
8. Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award - New this year is a call for nominations for the Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which will honor a visionary leader and a compassionate mentor. This award not only honors Mel’s memory but also carries forward his mission of empowering entrepreneurs to thrive, build generational wealth, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. His legacy reminds us all that with passion, perseverance, and support, the dreams of tomorrow are within reach. Click here for details: https://wdmchamber.org/mel-essex-info

9. Kely Nascimento - Our morning keynote on April 16th—Nascimento is co-founder and chief impact officer of Hadaf Global, which helps organizations worldwide inspire change through the universal language of sports. Her work focuses on fostering cultural connections, building international partnerships and advancing sustainable development. Nascimento has rich experience uniting the world through the power of sports and storytelling and has lectured at institutions like Harvard, Yale and NY.

This incredible event is made possible thanks to the support of volunteers, sponsors, and partners. We’re honored to celebrate and empower all business owners and innovators. Mark your calendar for April 16-17, and don’t miss the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit—an event designed to inspire, connect, and elevate! For more information or to register, visit https://wdmchamber.org/bbbsummit