Virginia’s Biggest Celebration of Black Business Will Be In Richmond on August 22

Press Release

Thousands of entrepreneurs, families, corporate leaders, community partners, and consumers from across the Commonwealth will gather in Richmond for the 6th Annual Virginia Black Expo, taking place Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Main Street Station.

The Expo Melanin Marketplace and main programming will run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with entertainment continuing until 8:00 p.m. The Virginia Black Expo is quickly becoming one of the Commonwealth’s most anticipated business, economic development, and cultural experiences of the year.

Admission is free, but registration is required.

The Virginia Black Expo is more than a one-day event. It is a statewide economic movement designed to place Black-owned businesses in front of thousands of customers, corporate partners, elected officials, community leaders, and potential collaborators.

“The Virginia Black Expo demonstrates what happens when we intentionally bring businesses, consumers, corporations, government, and communities together,” said Ernisha M. Hall, Co-founder, President, and CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. “Every purchase, partnership, introduction, and opportunity created at the Expo contributes to a stronger Virginia economy.”

A Marketplace That Moves Virginia’s Economy

The Expo will feature a dynamic small business marketplace with entrepreneurs and exhibitors representing industries from across the Commonwealth. Attendees will have opportunities to discover new businesses, purchase products and services, build professional relationships, and connect directly with business owners.

The experience will also include food trucks, product demonstrations, a Bike and Car Show, business education, interactive programming, networking opportunities, celebrity meet-and-greets, and conversations focused on entrepreneurship, wealth, leadership, access to capital, and economic opportunity.

Featured guests and program participants include Pinky Cole, David Banner, Lamman Rucker, Free Marie Wright, Quinn Conyers, Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, DJ Akademiks, DJ Heat, Senator Angelia Williams Graves, Mayor Derrick Wood, and additional business and community leaders.

Main-stage programming will include fireside conversations, business panels, Black Table Talk, and discussions addressing the issues, opportunities, and ideas shaping Black businesses and communities throughout Virginia.

Following the close of the indoor marketplace at 6:00 p.m., entertainment will continue until 8:00 p.m., extending the Expo experience and creating additional opportunities for attendees to enjoy Richmond, connect with one another, and support participating businesses.

Building Economic Impact Across the Commonwealth

Over the past five years, the Virginia Black Expo has welcomed more than 7,000 attendees, featured more than 600 exhibitors, and helped generate more than $500,000 in vendor revenue.

This year’s Expo is expected to generate additional economic activity for participating businesses, restaurants, hotels, transportation providers, contractors, tourism partners, and other Richmond-area businesses as attendees travel from throughout Virginia and beyond.

The Virginia Black Expo is designed to become a signature statewide destination that attracts visitors, increases consumer spending, elevates Virginia entrepreneurs, and demonstrates the economic power of intentionally supporting Black-owned businesses.

“This is the room entrepreneurs need to be in, the marketplace consumers need to experience, and the economic opportunity Virginia should continue to invest in,” Hall said. “We want every attendee to leave knowing they were part of something greater than an event. They were part of strengthening businesses, families, communities, and the Commonwealth.”

Powered by Public, Private, and Community Partnership

The 6th Annual Virginia Black Expo is presented by the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Richmond and the VABCC Foundation.

The Expo is supported by organizations committed to entrepreneurship, tourism, workforce development, inclusive economic growth, and stronger communities, including Dominion Energy, the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) through state grant support, Local 26 IBEW-NECA Trust Funds, Richmond Region Tourism, JPMorganChase, Truist Bank, Henrico Economic Development, and additional corporate, government, and community partners.

These partnerships help ensure that admission remains free while expanding access to business resources, statewide exposure, educational programming, and revenue-generating opportunities for participating entrepreneurs.

Virginia Black Expo Is Coming to Richmond

Held for its 6th year, during National Black Business Month, the Expo will bring together business owners, families, professionals, elected officials, corporate representatives, and community leaders from across the Commonwealth for a powerful day of commerce, connection, and celebration.

Registration is free, and attendance is expected to continue growing as the event approaches.

Event Information

6th Annual Virginia Black Expo

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Expo Marketplace and Programming: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Entertainment: Until 8:00 p.m.

Main Street Station

1500 East Main Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

 

To register, become a sponsor or learn more, visit the Virginia Black Expo website. www.virginiablackexpo.org