This weekend, from August 11-13, the Fredericksburg Expo Center will host the Virginia Black Business Expo. The Black Business Expo is now in their fourth year, and hopes to break its record of approximately 1,500 attendees. This year, the Expo has over 120 vendors participating.
Ernisha Hall founded the Virginia Black Business Directory in 2020 to amplify local and statewide business owners of color, in an effort to increase equity amongst the business community. The VA Black Business Directory now has 1,300 members, 300 of which are in the Fredericksburg region.
The Expo begins on Friday evening, from 7-11pm, which will have speed networking, music, and food catered by a local black business owner. Saturday and Sunday’s activities will include a Food Truck Festival and the Expo itself, where you can enjoy local meals, and get to know black business owners throughout Virginia. Additionally there will be a business conference with over 20 speakers.
Saturday evening will be The Great Blacksby Gala, a glamorous and fun evening of the Black Business Awards Ceremony, music, and dinner. There will be a Skate Party at Cavalier Roller Skating Rink on Sunday evening, where all proceeds will go to Hall’s non-profit organization.
Hall’s goal with the Virginia Black Business Expo is simple: “Shop Black.” She wants guests to discover the diversity in service providing, products, food, and so much more that black businesses have to offer.
“This is a community-centered event to bridge a gap,” Hall said, “and everyone is invited…no matter what your racial or cultural background is.”
Follow the Virginia Black Business Directory on Facebook. Purchase tickets for the Expo.