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Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

About the Black & Brown Business Summit

The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit was created by national stakeholders to elevate all businesses to assist  and businesses together to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training, and to provide resources to help businesses grow and prosper. The Summit is owned and operated by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and is supported by several key stakeholders including Athene, Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo and more. The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce created The Summit back in 2021 and Athene became the naming rights sponsor in 2022.

The fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit in April will bring everyone from entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals together in a hybrid setting at the Sheraton Hotel in West Des Moines, Iowa. The Summit includes a pitch competition, breakout sessions led by top experts, Mel Essex Award Entrepreneur of the Year Award, inspirational keynote speakers, and more. Our goal is to help build economic growth for all business owners across the country and position Iowa as the best place in the nation to start and lead a business.

The Athene Black and Brown Business Summit is presented by

Attendee Hotel Accommodations

The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit attracts speakers and attendees from across the United States of America. For those traveling in from out of town, a special guest room block is made available.

Small Business Expo Sponsored by Elevate by Principal Hosted by Smash Park

Join us for the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Welcome Party and Small Business Expo! This event offers opportunities for both attendees and all business owners. Mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections with business owners who are paving the way to generational wealth and success.

  • Comparion Insurance Agency

  • CMIT Solutions of Des Moines

    • CMIT Solutions of Des Moines provides reliable, customized IT services and managed solutions for local businesses, enhancing productivity and security with expert support and innovative technology.

  • Circle of Healing

    • The Circle of Healing is a collective giving circle comprised of BIPOC women who envision a world where Black individuals and communities thrive. We advocate for deep and lasting transformation that advances racial, social, and economic justice.

  • Deploy-Tech LLC

    • Experienced IT provider specializing in network design, AV, 5G, satellite, and break-fix solutions using cutting-edge technologies from leading vendors like HPE Networking Instant On,HP, Fortinet Cyber Security, and Eaton client-focused.

  • El Fogon

    • El FogĂ³n aspires to be a food chain that celebrates Mexican culture through gastronomy, friendship, and hospitality. We value our team and empower the Latino community with training, resources, and opportunities for growth. More than a restaurant, we are a support network for Latino families, strengthening our community. We believe in the American Dream and work tirelessly to make it accessible to everyone who joins the El FogĂ³n family.

  • Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families

    • In the caring spirit of our namesake, Evelyn Davis, this first-of-its-kind resource center opened its doors in 2013. Since then, it has delivered educational, job training, and career services to unemployed, under-employed and underserved residents of Central Iowa.

  • Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Iowa

    • Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a program for small businesses that links learning to action. Through the program, participants will gain practical skills in topics such as negotiation, marketing, and employee management that can immediately be put into action. In addition, they will receive the tools and professional support to develop a strategic and customized growth plan that will take their business to the next level.

  • Iowa Latino Hospitality Council

    • Our organization is an independent charitable organization dedicated exclusively to addressing the unique needs of this vital segment of the Iowa hospitality industry. Our vision is create a dynamic network of Latino hospitality business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Iowa by providing access to resources, fostering knowledge sharing, and promoting collaboration. We will ensure equitable access to the tools and guidance necessary to build successful and sustainable businesses.

  • Inmobiliaria Inc.

    • The mission of Inmobiliaria Inc is to provide cutting-edge advice to individuals and companies in the planning, development, and execution of projects.

  • Lincoln Savings Bank

    • Financial Institution

  • Livit – A Staffing Agency
  • McGrail & Bensinger, LLP

    • McGrail & Bensinger, LLP is a NYC-based law firm dedicated to providing its clients with quality, personalized service. Our attorneys have worked at some of the largest law firms in the world, clerked for federal judges, taught at international law schools, and lectured on a variety of topics. We handle a variety of matters for emerging and growing businesses, as well as established businesses. If it’s a business matter, we can help. And if we can’t, we will help you find someone who can.

  • Patton Insurance Benefits
    • Patton Insurance Benefits is located in West Des Moines, Iowa, specializes in employee benefits with an emphasis in healthcare coverages. The primary focus of Patton Benefits is providing healthcare coverages to associations for their general membership, employee benefit programs to individual employers, individual ACA below 65 and 65+ benefits.
  • Renewal by Andersen

  • HR Excellence Consulting

  • T-Mobile

  • Smiling Dog Entertainment, LLC

  • Spare Time Entertainment

    • Enjoy luxury bowling, a massive arcade, laser tag, escape rooms, and more. Dine at our restaurants and bars with chef-crafted dishes and cocktails. Perfect for date nights, family outings, kids’ parties, or group events. We offer private spaces, full-venue rentals, and customizable catering. Eat, bowl, play, and make memories—all under one roof!

  • One Economy Financial Development Corp

  • Paula A. Bell Consulting, LLC

    • Paula A. Bell Consulting, LLC is a leading coaching and consulting firm committed to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. We provide tailored coaching, strategic consulting, and engaging workshops to drive meaningful transformation in careers, businesses, and leadership.

  • The People Co.

    • The People Co. is dedicated to transforming the way organizations manage their most valuable asset—people. Our purpose is simple: to empower the heart of every organization: your people. We’re pioneers in the area of building exceptional employee experiences by specializing in identifying and implementing opportunities that help your organization meet their goals. We offer solutions that span the employee life cycle, from recruitment to graceful transitions.

  • Two Rivers Bank & Trust
    • Banking
  • P3 + Uplift

    • IT Recruiting, Staffing and Software Team Delivery

  • Upper Iowa University

    • A college degree is a necessity for the job market. Therefore, it’s important to realize that even though continuing your college education requires time and financial commitment, the benefits can heavily outweigh the costs. Learn about the benefits of completing your degree and the potential impact on your future.

  • Vero Health Center

    • Health Clinic that provides different services for hormone, pain, decompression etc.

  • WineStyles Tasting Station
    • WineStyles is a franchise network of wine retail stores/wine bars with a unique and warm ambiance, reminiscent of an old-world wine cellar.
      Our owners are passionate about the hospitality industry as well as self-employment, building their own business and controlling their own destiny. If you have similar passions and want to be involved with our lifestyle business, connect with us to learn more about our franchise opportunity! We are actively looking for partners in IA, NE, IL, WI and VA.

Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Mel Essex was a beacon of hope, innovation, and unwavering commitment to fostering economic opportunity for Black and Brown entrepreneurs throughout Iowa. Joining Iowans for Social and Economic Development (ISED) in 1988 as a small business consultant and trainer, Mel became a cornerstone of entrepreneurial growth and empowerment. Over his distinguished career, he provided thousands of hours of technical assistance, small business training, and mentorship, paving the way for hundreds of small business owners to launch, strengthen, and expand their ventures. His efforts directly facilitated access to over $15 million in business financing, transforming dreams into sustainable realities.

The Mel Essex Award at the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit stands as a tribute to this extraordinary man—a champion of equity, a visionary leader, and a compassionate mentor. This award not only honors Mel’s memory but also carries forward his mission of empowering Black and Brown entrepreneurs to thrive, build generational wealth, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. His legacy reminds us all that with passion, perseverance, and support, the dreams of tomorrow are within reach.

2025 Pitch Competition - FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!

The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit was created by national stakeholders to elevate all businesses and bring them together to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, and training, and to provide resources to help businesses grow and prosper.

2025 Pitch Finalists Announced! Click the button below to learn more.

Brought to you by our Exclusive Pitch Competition Partner

Our 2025 Speakers

View our impressive lineup of pitch competition mentors and judges, expert panelists, and keynote speakers joining us at this year’s Summit.

2025 Summit Schedule

View the entire two-day summit schedule and plan what sessions you plan to attend.

Thank you to Summit sponsors and key partners that help make this important event possible:

Naming Rights & Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Exclusive Pitch Competition Partner

Entrepreneurial Excursion Presenting Sponsor & Partner

Partner Sponsor

Advocate Sponsor

Spotlight Sponsors

Welcome Party Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

Champion Sponsors

Media Partner

Support Partner

Questions? Reach out to Katherine Harrington, WDM Chamber President and CEO, or the Summit planning committee:

Katherine BBBS

Katherine Harrington

WDM Chamber

Angela BBBS

Angela Jackson

Athene

Terrence Thames   Headshot

Terrence Thames

Cocoa Creative Agency

Bobbi Segura WLC colorful

Bobbi Segura

Women Lead Change

Ida Wood

Ida Wood

Paychex HR

Tricia Even

WDM Chamber

Annie Brandt

Bank of America Iowa

Tom Florian

WDM Chamber

Everett Mullican

WDM Chamber

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