“Kingonomics” Conference Empowers Minority Entrepreneurs

Over 100 experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment sought to educate and empower those who attended the Kingonomics Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, on August 23.

The conference, which was held in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, included panel discussions, economic “boot camps,” and even an official casting call for ABC’s Shark Tank, a TV show where self-made multi-millionaire and billionaires give budding entrepreneurs the chance to potentially secure business deals that could make them millions. “This event gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to access micro-loans, meet angel and super angel investors and connect with venture capital firms,” said Dr. Rodney Sampson, coordinator of the Kingonomics Conference.

David A. Hinson, National Director for MBDA, was a panelist during the “Grow Up” boot camp, an event for companies headed toward profitability to learn about generating revenue. Also participating was Kimberly Marcus, MBDA Associate Director, who gave opening remarks during the “Invest Up” boot camp, which was for investors interested in understanding and investing in emerging markets and high-tech start-ups in America and beyond. Joann Hill, Chief of MBDA’s Office of Business Development, gave opening remarks during the “Crowd Up” boot camp, a session designed to educate entrepreneurs and investors about the viability of donations, debt and equity-based crowd funding as a viable way of raising capital.

“It’s important to remember that Dr. King’s ’I have a dream’ speech was not only about civil rights. It was also about economic rights,” said Marcus. “Economic opportunity must go hand-in-hand with civil rights. This conference represents the renewal of Dr. King’s dream for a better America.”