Juneteenth Black Business Expo

Thank You To Our

Innovator Sponsors

Thank You To Our

Visionary Sponsor

Thank You To Our

Champion Sponsors

The AACCNJ 2024 Black Expo themed "The Journey Continues", is a Community, Public and Private Sector Collaborative. The Expo will be a dynamic, educational, and interactive Expo focusing on entrepreneurship, and the economic and cultural empowerment of underperforming communities.

Keynote Speaker: Malcolm Jenkins

We are thrilled to announce that Malcolm Jenkins, NFL 2x Super Bowl Champion and passionate philanthropist, will be this year’s Speaker and will participate in a fireside chat moderated by AACCNJ’s Founder and CEO John Harmon. Malcolm Jenkins will share with attendees his story of resilience and triumph. After a prolific football career, Malcolm Jenkins is now a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

There will also be signed copies of Malcolm’s book "What Winners Won’t Tell You, Lessons from a Legendary Defender" for purchase at AACCNJ’s booth.

New For 2024: Battle of The Pitches!

Looking for ways to promote your business to a wider audience? Now you have an opportunity to showcase your company by participating in the Battle of the Pitches, sponsored by the Juneteenth Black Business Expo. Here, Black entrepreneurs have an excellent opportunity to promote their business to major business leaders from corporations, non-profits, and government agencies. Contestants will gain valuable exposure and feedback that can propel your business to greater heights. The grand prize winner will win a 2-hour consultation with an executive from a leading company. 

To participate, simply reach out to Becca Guldner (bguldner@eastwestconnection.com) by May 18, 2024. There are only a limited number of time slots for presenters, so act fast to reserve your spot! No walk-ins will be able to pitch. Those selected to participate will have 5 minutes to pitch their companies on the main stage to a pre-selected panel of Chamber Members and Business Executives. Before BATTLE OF PITCHES, presenters will have the opportunity to flesh out their pitches at the Johnson & Johnson Professional Business Corner with a Johnson & Johnson team member. We will announce the winner of the pitch competition at the end of the Expo.

Check out this Interactive Video from Blackhearts 2023 Expo Exhibit! Experience this and more at the 2024 Juneteenth Black Business Expo

Essay Contest

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs are under attack today throughout the United States. We would like to hear your views on the role of DEI programs and why you believe these initiatives must continue. Anyone can enter the competition. Students (Aged 21 and younger) must write a 1,000 to 5,000-word essay and submit it by May 15, 2024. More details to come. 

Matchmaking Sessions

Interested in learning about new business opportunities for your company? We have invited over 15 corporations to participate. Most minority business owners learn about deals and opportunities when agreements have already been made. The Matchmaking Sessions are created to solve the problem of equitable access to

business opportunities and to showcase talented Black entrepreneurs. Matchmaking opportunities will run from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. The scheduled sessions will allow attendees the opportunity to hear first-hand about upcoming business opportunities with major companies.

Attendees will be matched ahead of time for a series of 15-minute one-to-one meetings. Due to the high demand, the matchmaking sessions are limited in availability and will be offered to Chamber members on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the sessions are confirmed, you will meet with the corporate representative to discuss your company, and the new business opportunities/RFP/job openings at the specific company.

Confirmed Matchmaking Companies:

NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT), Ferreira Construction, 

HNTB, SJI, Turner Construction

More to come!