The ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit & Target Holiday Market Is Coming To Atlanta

 

ESSENCE, the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women, today announced the launch of the ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit, taking place Friday, December 13th through Sunday, December 15th at West End Production Park in Atlanta, GA. Designed to support entrepreneurs of color and cultivate increased economic opportunities for Black-owned businesses, this inaugural Summit represents ESSENCE’s commitment to providing these entrepreneurs the access and tools they need to thrive and transform the global economy. As such, the Summit will also include the first-ever ESSENCE x Target Holiday Market, which will be designed as a holiday market to celebrate and support Black-owned brands and the local community. 

“For generations, Black women have been leaders in our communities and our culture, and for nearly 50 years, ESSENCE has served as a safe space for us to connect, share and support each other,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO, Essence Communications. “Today, Black businesses, particularly women-owned, are continuing to lead as the nation’s fastest growing group but are facing real barriers to success. With the launch of the ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit, we will powerfully convene this enterprising community of entrepreneurs and create a virtuous circle of economic empowerment that expands commerce opportunities and generates beneficial outcomes for Black-owned businesses positively impacting our communities. With the mission of the New Voices Foundation, we are thrilled to embark upon this partnership and particularly to launch this joint effort in the city of Atlanta.”

The 3-day gathering will be a cultural and economic hub for entrepreneurs of color to transact, transform and transcend – helping eliminate barriers to entry by empowering them with a one-of-a-kind summit and marketplace experience. The highly-anticipated ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit will convene today’s leading executives, business moguls, and venture capitalists for masterclasses, panel discussions, and fireside chats, as well as a pitch competition.

The jam-packed weekend will also include the ESSENCE x Target Holiday Market, a festive experience where guests can explore themed curations with more than 50 vendors and shop Black-owned businesses across industries and categories for all their holiday gifting needs. Target will also feature a curated assortment of products from its Black-owned business vendors. Important partners in helping Target meet its goals of increasing its number of certified diverse suppliers, their products help meet the needs of all Target guests while celebrating a diverse array of backgrounds, style and creativity.

In addition to interactive and customized activities for the entire family, live musicians and bands, and local food trucks, vendor highlights for the Holiday Market include:

- Beauty Village: Haircare, Skincare, Makeup, How-to Holiday Glam Sessions

- Kids Village: Clothing, Gifts, Books, Toys, Photo Booth, Santa

- Wellness Village: Fitness, Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality products and services

- Fashion Village: Fashion Designers, Clothing, Jewelry, Wearable Accessories

- Food Village: Various Cuisines, Baked Goods, Demonstrations by Celebrated Chefs

“We are pleased that ESSENCE has chosen Atlanta to debut this unparalleled experience,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “Atlanta is home to some of the most innovative businesses, and the ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit is an opportunity to highlight the vast spectrum of entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses in the city—showcasing Atlanta as a model for commerce while making a real economic impact in our community.”

Upcoming dates and cities for the ESSENCE + New Voices Summit in 2020 will be released soon. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit essence.com/market-summit