February 2024 is a celebration of Black History Month with events fostering inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement. We’ll be handing the Startup Boston mic over to black founders and creators in a few different ways this month - including sharing some exciting events on the calendar.
On February 6th, trainer and facilitator Fatiman Dainkeh from SheGeeksOut will host a webinar on Transforming the Black Employee Experience. This open conversation will be focused on creating an inclusive and equitable work experience for Black professionals. Join to understand different manifestations of anti-Black racism in the workplace and ways to affirm Black voices and experiences. Â
Brave the cold for some shopping and networking at the Black History Month Black Business Pop-Up at Harvard Square on February 9th and 10th. Support local entrepreneurs, immerse yourself in diverse narratives, and celebrate the inspiring stories behind Black-owned businesses.Â
Boston Business Journal’s Mentoring Monday brings together women in business for an afternoon of networking and mentoring. Esteemed women of color in the Boston area are featured as event mentors, including Nicole Obi, the President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, and Beth Chandler, the President and CEO of YW Boston. Explore more events happening this month below (and even more on our full event calendar).
February Startup Events
Reflections on Racism and Transforming the Black Employee Experience
Date:Â Tuesday, February 6th from 12pm - 1pm ETÂ
Location: Online event; Register hereÂ
Hosted by SheGeeksOut, this event will focus on the importance of having ongoing conversations about racism and discuss how to create an inclusive and equitable work experience for Black professionals. Learn actionable strategies to address the impact of racism and promote a supportive environment for your employees and colleagues of color.
Hold the Mic: Create a Clear and Concise PitchÂ
Date: Wednesday, February 7th from 9am - 10am ETÂ
Location: Online event; Register hereÂ
Pitching your startup is something that you’ll always have to do - to potential investors, employees, potential customers and in networking situations. Join Startup Boston and the City of Boston for this workshop with three experts will prompt you to really think about how you’re delivering your 60-second pitch and if the points you’re sharing are the most valuable to include.Â
Black History Month Black Business Pop-UpÂ
Date:Â Friday, February 9th - Saturday, February 10th from 12pm - 7pm ET
Location: One Brattle Square, Harvard Square; Learn moreÂ
Support local entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact in our community during Black History Month. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn about the inspiring stories behind these businesses. Don't miss out on this chance to embrace diversity, uplift Black-owned businesses, and celebrate Black History Month.
Understanding FinancialsÂ
Date:Â Wednesday, February 14th from 11am - 12pm ET
Location:Â Online event; Register hereÂ
Hosted by The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, this will educate small business leaders on how to keep detailed records of the daily transactions involved in their business. Learn how to understand the metrics that are reported in cash flow statements, income statements, and balance sheets and how they relate to each other. Â
ClimateTech Intern Fair
Date: Thursday, February 15th from 4pm - 6pm ET
Location:Â Greentown Labs, Somerville; Register hereÂ
At this internship fair, students from Boston and beyond can connect with Greentown startups and learn more about opportunities at their companies. Attendees will be able to connect in person with the startups that are developing Climatech solutions and building a climate workforce that is ready to harness the massive economic opportunities of the energy transition.
PR Hacks for Startup Founders
Date: Wednesday, February 21st from 1pm - 3pm ET
Location: Online event; Register hereÂ
Cultivating connections with the public is key for startups. Business founders are their best storytellers, and editors would always rather speak directly to the source. However, founders are rarely confident in doing this. This webinar from the Founder Network will educate founders on the basics of PR and how to make it work for them.
Breakfast and Speed NetworkingÂ
Date: Thursday, February 22nd, from 9am – 11am ET
Location: Burlington, MA; Register here Â
Mass Innovation Ventures is a non-profit organization that nurtures, supports, and publicizes innovation and startups all across the Northeast. Join their networking event to engage in exciting discussions and expand your network by participating in 3 rounds of speed networking.Â
BizWomen Mentoring Monday
Date: Monday, February 26th, from 2pm - 6pm ET
Location: Westin Copley Place, Boston; Register hereÂ
Join the Boston Business Journal for a fun, fast-paced afternoon of speed mentoring and round table discussions. Get to know a collection of local women-owned businesses in our Women’s Village and enjoy the Women in Power happy hour cocktail reception.Â
Boston Networking Event
Date:Â Tuesday, February 27th, from 5pm - 7pm ETÂ
Location:Â MassChallenge HQ, Boston; Register hereÂ
Join the MassChallenge U. S. Early Stage team for a candid conversation and a live Q&A. Learn all about the 2024 U.S. Early Stage Program, network with fellow early-stage founders, and get your questions answered by the community.
Check out our full event calendar right here to stay in tune with the Boston startup community. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, use the form directly below.