Bold MovesOnly II
Built 2 Scale
A premium one-day conference for BIPOC founders ready to build legacy, scale boldly, and own their next chapter.
- August 1, 2026
- 9am–3pm & 5pm–10pm
- The Statler, Buffalo NY
🎟 Tickets Are Live — Secure Your Seat Today
Get Your Ticket — Starting at $49Doors Open In
More Voices. More Value.
Our Featured Speakers bring real-world expertise in business, branding, entertainment, sales, marketing, cannabis, and more — delivering the actionable insights you came for.
This Is the Room You've Been Waiting For.
Bold Moves Only II: Built 2 Scale is not another panel discussion. It's not a networking mixer with a keynote bolted on. It's a full-day experience designed specifically for BIPOC founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who are done playing small and ready to build something that lasts.
Two sessions. One transformative day. Actionable strategies you can implement before the month is over. Real conversations with people who have actually done it — raised the capital, built the brand, scaled the company, and changed the game.
This is the room where your next investor connection happens. Where the idea you've been sitting on gets the clarity it needs. Where you stop being the only one in the room who looks like you — and start being surrounded by people who get it.
Bold moves don't happen in isolation. They happen in community. Come build yours.
Built for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Open to everyone who believes in their success.
Why The Statler?
We Don't Do Ordinary Rooms.
The Statler Buffalo isn't just a venue — it's a statement. Completed in 1923, this landmark has stood at the center of Buffalo's most consequential moments for over a century. Its halls have witnessed history. Its rooms have held rooms full of greatness.
In the summer of 1956, The Statler hosted a 50th Golden Anniversary National Convention. During that convention, a young minister and activist named Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was bestowed the host organization's highest honors.
Seventy years later, we're bringing that same spirit of excellence back to The Statler.
We chose this room intentionally. Because when BIPOC entrepreneurs gather to build legacy, they deserve a space that already carries one. The Statler isn't just where Bold Moves Only II is happening, it's proof that greatness never really leaves a room.
See What You Missed. Don't Miss It Again.
Bold Moves Only I — By The Numbers
Tap to explore each experience
Don't Take Our Word For It.
I've been to conferences before, but nothing like this. The speakers didn't just inspire me — they gave me a roadmap. I left BMO with three action items I implemented that same week.
Jasmine T.
Small Business Owner
What sold me was Bold Moves Jr. My son got to pitch his business idea on stage while I was learning in the main session. We drove home talking about entrepreneurship the whole way. We're already signed up for BMO II.
Kim L.
Entrepreneur & Parent
The evening with Fawn Weaver was worth the price of admission alone. Hearing her story about building Uncle Nearest from the ground up in that room, I'll never forget it.
Tanya R.
Founder
I walked in knowing nobody. I walked out with two potential partners and a mentor. The Exchange created a room where real connections actually happen.
Dascia L.
Startup Founder
The VIP meet and greet was intimate and real. No rope lines, no rushing. Just genuine conversation with people who are doing the work. Absolutely worth it.
Keisha M.
Aspiring CEO
Bold Moves Only is what Black Business Month should feel like. Professional, powerful, and built for us. Buffalo has never seen anything like this.
Andre S.
Business Owner
Have a BMO I story to share? We'd love to hear it.
One Day. Every Tool You Need to Scale.
Bold Moves Only II features main stage programming, breakout sessions, and hands-on experiences across every dimension of entrepreneurship.
Main Stage
Hear directly from industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs who have built at scale. Keynotes, panels, and conversations that challenge how you think about your business.
Breakout Sessions
Deep-dive workshops across every area of business. Expected topics include Accounting & Finance, Branding & Marketing, Public Relations, Funding & Capital, Grants, Trademark & Legal, Podcasting & Media, Artificial Intelligence, Fashion Entrepreneurship, Cannabis Business, Construction & Contracting — and more. Something for every stage of your journey.
Onsite Legal & Business Services
This is where BMO II goes beyond the conference. Bring your questions and walk away with answers. We will have onsite LLC registration and legal assistance available — because building your business shouldn't wait until Monday.
Networking & Community
The connections you make at Bold Moves Only II are as valuable as any session you'll attend. Structured networking, organic community, and a room full of people who get it.
Full schedule and session details will be released ahead of the event. Track availability subject to change.
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Full agenda coming soon
✦ From Bold Moves Only I
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Full agenda coming soon
✦ From Bold Moves Only I
The Next Generation of Builders Belongs in the Room Too.
Bold Moves Jr. is our dedicated youth entrepreneurship track running alongside the main conference during the daytime session. While you're learning, networking, and building — your future founder is doing the same.
Designed for young entrepreneurs, Bold Moves Jr. is a hands-on experience featuring workshops, activities, and a faux pitch competition where kids get to present their own big ideas. This isn't daycare. This is their conference too.
Last year's inaugural track was a success. This year we're expanding the experience with new partners bringing coding, robotics, and more.
Free for youth attendees accompanied by a paid adult ticket. Waiver required.
Workshops
Hands-on entrepreneurship activities designed to spark creativity and business thinking.
Faux Pitch Competition
Kids present their own business ideas in a real pitch format.
Tech & Innovation
Coding, robotics, and more brought by our partner organizations.
Bold Moves Jr. runs during the Daytime Session only — 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Space is limited. Age minimum and registration details coming soon.
Simple Pricing. Your Choice.
August 1, 2026 | The Statler Buffalo
Evening Keynote & Celebration
$49
Evening only (5 PM–10 PM). Includes opening panel of Buffalo entrepreneurs, John Hope Bryant fireside chat, and evening reception.
Get TicketGeneral Admission (Full Event)
$79
Full day + evening. Includes full-day conference (9 AM–3 PM), all four breakout tracks, breakfast, lunch, vendor village, evening keynote with John Hope Bryant, and evening reception. Save $30 vs. buying evening separately.
Get TicketVIP Experience
$149
Everything in General Admission, PLUS: meet & greet with John Hope Bryant, reserved priority seating, VIP reception access, and premium event swag.
Get TicketStudent / Community Ticket
$49
Full event access with valid student ID or community partner verification.
Get TicketFull Event just $79 — only $30 more than evening only.
What's Included
| What's Included | Evening$49 | GA$79 | VIP$149 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evening Keynote with John Hope Bryant | |||
| Evening Reception | |||
| Full Day Conference | — | ||
| All Breakout Tracks | — | ||
| Breakfast | — | ||
| Lunch | — | ||
| Vendor Village Access | — | ||
| Meet & Greet with John Hope Bryant | — | — | |
| Reserved Priority Seating | — | — | |
| VIP Reception Access | — | — | |
| Premium Event Swag | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can only make it to the evening?
We've got you covered. Our Evening Keynote & Celebration ticket is $49 and includes John Hope Bryant's fireside chat, the opening panel, and the reception. But if you can swing the full day, GA at $79 gets you everything — only $30 more.
What does my $79 ticket include?
Everything. Full day conference from 9 AM to 3 PM including all four breakout tracks, breakfast, lunch, vendor village, AND our evening keynote celebration with John Hope Bryant.
What's the difference between GA and VIP?
VIP tickets include everything in GA PLUS a meet & greet with John Hope Bryant, reserved priority seating, VIP reception access, and premium event swag. VIP is limited.
Is there a student discount?
Yes. Students with valid ID and community members through partner organizations can access full event tickets for $49.
Built for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Open to everyone who believes in their success.
Join Us at The Statler Buffalo
An iconic Buffalo landmark. An unforgettable experience.
Thank You to Our Black Business Month Sponsors
The following organizations proudly supported Black Business Month 2024, which included Bold Moves Only I.
Become a Sponsor
Align your brand with Buffalo's boldest entrepreneurship event. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Our Partners
Organizations partnering with us to make Bold Moves Only II an unforgettable experience.
Proud partners of the Bold Moves Jr. Youth Track