Investing in Black Futures Inside BUILD’s 2025 Black Wealth Incubator Program

This year, in early 2025, we had the privilege of witnessing something truly transformative unfold through BUILD’s Black Wealth Incubator Program. As an organization deeply rooted in community empowerment, we intentionally focused this years' cohort on young Black male entrepreneurs, not just because they are talented and driven but because our community urgently needs more Black-led resources, economic opportunity, and structured support systems that help entrepreneurs thrive long term.

Seattle has a vibrant and growing scene of Black-owned businesses that contribute culture, creativity, and economic energy to our city, yet systemic barriers persist that make it harder for Black entrepreneurs to launch and scale their businesses. Local directories showcase over 150+ Black-owned businesses across King County spanning everything from food and beverage to wellness and creative enterprises. But despite this rich tapestry of talent and innovation, many Black entrepreneurs still face limited access to capital, financial literacy resources, and professional networks and resources that are essential to success in today’s competitive business landscape.

That is precisely why the 2025 cohort of the BUILD Black Wealth Incubator Program was designed with intentional focus. Our mission is rooted in the broader BUILD Black Wealth initiative, which aims to increase Black wealth in Seattle and King County by providing education, funding, and tools that support financial literacy, business sustainability, and long-term economic independence.

For this cohort, we centered the experience around young Black men, recognizing that representation and access early in the entrepreneurial journey can shift long-standing economic disparities. Participants received structured workshops on financial foundations, budgeting, business planning, marketing strategies, and access to critical networks. We provided direct funding opportunities, connected entrepreneurs with mentors, and helped them build confidence as they refined their business plans and clarified their vision.

One of the most powerful parts of this program was seeing participants grow not only in business knowledge but in their belief in their own capacity to create economic change in their lives and community. Together, we worked on practical tools that go beyond starting a business: we centered financial literacy, teaching skills in saving, business preparedness, and goal setting that are essential for both personal wealth building and business success. This was beneficial as participants shared that the experience changed how they think about money, leadership, and their role in the broader Seattle economy.

What makes this program especially meaningful is that it doesn’t stop at funding. It builds community, connection, and confidence, equipping participants with skills that outlast the program itself. This holistic approach is what our community needs to close the wealth gap and create equitable opportunities for future generations of Black business leaders.

As we reflect on the 2025 cohort and celebrate their progress, I am inspired by the resilience, creativity, and ambition these entrepreneurs bring to the table. Their stories remind us that when we invest in people, uplift Black-led innovation, and build structures that support financial education and access to capital, we contribute to lasting economic change.