The Exchange at Beverly Gray Presents

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

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Headliner
John Hope Bryant
Headliner

John Hope Bryant

Founder and CEO of Operation HOPE

Known for his groundbreaking work in financial literacy and economic empowerment for underserved communities across America.

Special Guests
Denise Woodard

Denise Woodard

Founder and CEO of Partake Foods

Known for building one of the fastest growing allergy-friendly snack brands in the country and becoming a trailblazer for BIPOC founders in CPG.

Sevetri Wilson

Sevetri Wilson

Investor, Founder and CEO of ProsperAll & Resilia

Known for raising over $30 million in venture funding and building software that powers hundreds of nonprofits and social impact organizations nationwide.

Harold Hughes

Harold Hughes

Founder and CEO of NFNTE Capital

Known for democratizing access to capital for underrepresented founders and building one of the most people-first investment firms in the country.

More Special Guests Announced Weekly
About the Conference

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.

What They're Saying

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.

What to Expect

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.

✦ More programming announcements coming soon ✦

Full schedule and session details will be released ahead of the event. Track availability subject to change.

Schedule
Daytime Session

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Full agenda coming soon

✦ From Bold Moves Only I

Evening Experience

5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Full agenda coming soon

✦ From Bold Moves Only I

Bold Moves Jr.

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.

What to Expect

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. Partner announcements coming soon ✦

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.

Tickets

Secure Your Seat

Day Only

Main stage programming, breakout workshops, onsite LLC registration & legal assistance, networking (9AM–3PM)

Early Bird

$49

Regular

$69

Day-Of

$85

Evening Only

Evening Celebration with headliner John Hope Bryant, special guests Denise Woodard, Sevetri Wilson & Harold Hughes (5PM–10PM)

Early Bird

$59

Regular

$79

Day-Of

$99

Full Event ⭐Best Value

Full daytime conference + evening celebration. Everything BMO II has to offer in one ticket.

Early Bird

$79

Regular

$109

Day-Of

$139

VIPLimited Availability

Full event access + exclusive meet & greet with speakers, signed books, VIP swag bag, premium seating, and access to RELAX. RELATE. RELEASE.: Entrepreneurs Love Brunch & Day Party Edition on Sunday August 2nd

Early Bird

$149

Day Only — StudentSTUDENT

Full access to all daytime sessions, workshops, and networking. Valid college student ID required at check-in. Must register with a .edu email address. (9AM–3PM)

Early Bird

$29

Full Event — StudentSTUDENT

Full daytime conference + evening experience. Valid college student ID required at check-in. Must register with a .edu email address. (9AM–10PM)

Early Bird

$49

Built for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Open to everyone who believes in their success.

Location

Join Us at The Statler Buffalo

107 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202

An iconic Buffalo landmark. An unforgettable experience.

Sponsors

Thank You to Our Black Business Month Sponsors

The following organizations proudly supported Black Business Month 2024, which included Bold Moves Only I.

Regional Revitalization Partnership
KeyBank
Bank on Buffalo
City of Buffalo Common Council – Leah M. Halton-Pope
John R. Oishei Foundation
M&T Bank
Moog

Become a Sponsor

Align your brand with Buffalo's boldest entrepreneurship event. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Partners

Our Partners

Organizations partnering with us to make Bold Moves Only II an unforgettable experience.

The Foundry
TechBuffalo
Bits & Bytes STEM Foundation

Proud partners of the Bold Moves Jr. Youth Track