Venture Noire is ready to activate KC with focus on improving outcomes for Black entrepreneurs

Venture Noire comes to Kansas City late this month with a two-day event to help early-stage entrepreneurs plan their next moves and reintroduce the Northwest Arkansas-based nonprofit to local business owners. 

Jessi Daniels, Venture Noire

Planned for June 26-27 at Keystone CoLAB, the “KC’s Playbook for Entrepreneurial Excellence” event is expected to feature a boot camp with workshops on pitching, legal essentials, branding strategies, and more. 

“We want attendees to feel supported by the community of diverse entrepreneurs, gain foundational knowledge to grow their businesses, and connect with the wealth of resources available,” said Jessi Daniels, managing director for Venture Noire.

Venture Noire has been dedicated to Kansas City through research, incubation with regional partners, mentorship, and ecosystem support, but this upcoming event marks their first major gathering in the region since launching their City of Entrepreneurs initiative.

Even with the ongoing commitment to the city, the gathering marks a physical return back to Kansas City for the organization, said Daniels, who officially joined Venture Noire in May — noting an ongoing focus on building strong economic systems for Black entrepreneurs to thrive.

“Kansas City previously was one of our key markets,” she said. “We wanted to come back given the potential, the relationships, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem that exists here.”

National and local expertise 

Day 2 of the Venture Noire event promises personalized coaching sessions — intended to answer specific questions from entrepreneurs in different industries and stages. 

“This will establish ongoing relationships to continue the mentorship based on whatever topics that they need the most help on,” said Daniels.

After the sessions, one of Venture Noire’s partner companies, Decrypted Law, is offering one month of free legal advice to attendees.

Dan Smith, The Porter House KC, right, speaks during a panel at Global Entrepreneurship Week-Kansas City; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Coaches for for the event include legal experts, marketing professionals, Venture Noire’s founder Keenan Beasley, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Dame Dash (speaking virtually), as well as local figures like Dan Smith from The Porter House KC, providing a blend of national and local expertise.

“In the evening, we will have a smaller dinner with Kansas City stakeholders to discuss the state of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and explore ways to drive impact,” Daniels added.

The coming event also is set to feature thought leader and entrepreneur 19Keys, who is embarking on a tour to explore Black history and opportunities in cities across the country. He plans to film his visit to the city of fountains, exploring 18th and Vine and The Negro Leagues Muesum.

Return to KC

Venture Noire’s last visit to Kansas City was in 2022 when former COO Emma Willis collaborated with Nia Richardson at KC BizCare to launch the City of Entrepreneurs campaign. Venture Noire continues their support of KC BizCare as the organization rises to new heights under Richardson’s leadership.

Nia Richardson, KC Bizcare, and Emma Willis, formerly of Venture Noire

ICYMI: Why Venture Noire is bringing capital resources from Arkansas to KC’s founders of color

“We just helped them with that launch, and now, we’re back to refresh our efforts and reconnect with this vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Daniels.

Daniels started with Venture Noire as a Boston Consulting Group consultant, working on a volunteer project together for a few months.

“I was ready to leave the consulting lifestyle,” she said. “The timing aligned perfectly for me to come on board officially.”

Keenan Beasley, Venture Noire, takes a tour related to his organization’s accelerator with ULTA; photo courtesy of Venture Noire

An ecosystem builder

Venture Noire’s approach to supporting minority entrepreneurs has traditionally included accelerators with corporations like Ulta Beauty, as well as international programs, taking founders to South Africa for cultural immersion and business development.

From the archives: Ulta, Venture Noire apply foundation with new beauty startup accelerator to ‘uplift minority founders’

“Moving forward, we’re shifting from accelerators to being more of an ecosystem builder, connecting government, entrepreneurs, community, and capital partners,” said Daniels.

Measuring success through traditional metrics like increased revenue and successful pitch competitions is part of Venture Noire’s strategy, but it’s also now developing a scorecard to examine economic development through inclusive growth. The cards compare the ratio between minority population to minority-owned businesses in cities.

“We’re working with cities to revitalize them and create more jobs,” Daniels said. “This is a proposal we’re working on with a couple mayors to help them direct their economic investments to achieve the best inclusive growth.”

With a packed agenda and a renewed focus, Venture Noire is set to make a big impact with its new game plan to attract more external funding to the city’s entrepreneurial scene, she added.

“Our goal is to lower the barriers to entry and ensure that attendees know that there’s a network of experts ready to help,” she said.