On August 8, 2024, College of San Mateo hosted the second annual Black Business Summit, a significant event celebrating and showcasing the vibrant community of Bay Area Black-owned businesses. This impactful gathering was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the San Mateo County Small Business Development Center (SMSBDC), the Renaissance Entrepreneur Center, the Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development Department, and the Umoja learning community at CSM. The summit attracted nearly 300 attendees, including entrepreneurs, business leaders, students, and community supporters, serving as a powerful platform to emphasize the importance of collaboration, collective impact, and support for Black-owned businesses in the Bay Area.

The event featured a panel of small business owners who reminded attendees, “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” An awards ceremony followed, honoring the 2024 cohort of the Black Renaissance Program with certificates of completion from the state, recognizing their dedication and achievements. Throughout the year, this cohort participated in workshops led by SMSBDC advisors and Renaissance consultants, received personalized coaching, and benefited from corporate partnerships. The event concluded with closing remarks from the SMSBDC Program Manager, Gisel Martín, and CSM’s Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development, Andrea Vizenor, who acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all involved in making the summit a success.

Reflecting on the success of the Black Business Summit, CSM is pleased to announce the continuation of its partnership with the Renaissance Center and the Small Business Development Center. This ongoing collaboration remains a key component of CSM’s workforce and economic development strategy, with plans for next year’s summit underway. The College remains committed to supporting Black-owned businesses in the Bay Area through networking events and other collaborative initiatives.