(BPRW) Three National Organizations Unite to Convene Influential Leaders at AEO Talks: Martha’s Vineyard 2026

Association for Enterprise Opportunity, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and Washington Area Community Investment Fund Partner to Advance National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship, Economic Opportunity, and Community Wealth

(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) today announced AEO Talks: Martha’s Vineyard 2026, an invitation-only national convening taking place Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Edgartown, Massachusetts.

Bringing together leaders from business, government, higher education, philanthropy, financial services, media, and entrepreneurship, the convening will explore innovative strategies for expanding economic opportunity, strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, and accelerating community wealth creation.

Held during one of the country’s most influential summer gatherings of civic and business leaders, AEO Talks will feature nationally recognized elected officials, university presidents, policymakers, entrepreneurs, journalists, and ecosystem builders engaged in conversations shaping the future of America’s small business economy.

The convening is presented through a partnership between AEO, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and WACIF, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing entrepreneurship, expanding access to capital, and strengthening pathways to economic mobility.

“Entrepreneurs are essential to America’s economic future, yet many communities continue to face barriers to capital, networks, and opportunity,” said Natalie Madeira Cofield, President and CEO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity. “AEO Talks brings together leaders from every sector to explore bold ideas, share proven strategies, and build partnerships that strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and create lasting economic opportunity. By convening mayors, higher education leaders, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs in one room, we are creating the kinds of conversations that can lead to meaningful action far beyond Martha’s Vineyard.”

“Strong local economies are built when political, civic, philanthropic, and business leaders come together around a shared commitment to expanding economic opportunity and ensuring that growth reaches every community. We are excited to convene these leaders together,” said Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, President of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

Featured Conversations

Mayors Driving Economic Transformation

Moderated by Stephen K. Benjamin, former Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, and former Senior Advisor to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., this discussion will examine how local governments are driving entrepreneurship and economic growth through innovative policy, procurement, workforce development, capital access, and strategic public-private partnerships.

Panelists include:

• Dorcey Applyrs, Mayor, Albany, New York
• Van R. Johnson II, Mayor, Savannah, Georgia
• Eddie Melton, Mayor, Gary, Indiana
• Errick D. Simmons, Mayor, Greenville, Mississippi
• Donya L. Sartor, Mayor, Jonesboro, Georgia

HBCUs as Engines of Entrepreneurship & Wealth Creation

Moderated by April Ryan, Washington Bureau Chief and Senior White House Correspondent for the National Newspaper Publishers Association, this conversation explores how Historically Black Colleges and Universities continue to serve as engines of entrepreneurship, innovation, workforce development, research, and economic mobility.

Panelists include:

• Mark A. Brown, President, Tuskegee University
• Antwon D. Woods, Dean, School of Business, Alcorn State University
• Javaune Adams-Gaston, President, Norfolk State University
• Johnetta Hardy, Executive Director and Founder, Entrepreneurship Innovation Center, Bowie State University
• Ira W. Bates, Interim Dean, School of Business and Industry, Florida A&M University

WACIF Capital Access Marketplace

The convening will conclude with the 2026 WACIF Capital Access Marketplace, showcasing innovative businesses from across the country whose products and services reflect the innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence driving today’s economy.

The marketplace is designed to create meaningful opportunities for participating businesses to build relationships with decision-makers, increase visibility, explore strategic partnerships, and connect with potential customers and investors.

“Entrepreneurs deserve opportunities to be seen, connected, and celebrated,” said Shannan Herbert, President and CEO of the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF). “The WACIF Capital Access Marketplace is a platform for entrepreneurs to engage directly with influential leaders, expand their networks, and access opportunities that can help their businesses grow. We are proud to partner with AEO and the Joint Center to elevate these remarkable business owners and demonstrate the impact entrepreneurship has on building stronger communities.”

Featured marketplace businesses represent industries including consumer products, beauty, wellness, apparel, specialty foods and beverages, retail, and lifestyle brands.

Media Invitation

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover AEO Talks: Martha’s Vineyard 2026.

Interview opportunities will be available with nationally recognized mayors, university presidents, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and corporate and philanthropic executives.

Event Information

AEO Talks: Martha’s Vineyard 2026

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Location: Edgartown, Massachusetts

About the Association for Enterprise Opportunity

For 35 years, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) has been a leading voice in advocating for entrepreneurs across the nation. Through innovative programs, research, and partnerships, AEO works to create economic opportunities and foster financial inclusion, ensuring that small businesses have the resources they need to thrive.

About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America.

About the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)

Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s mission is to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our mission is driven by three strategic pillars: inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic development, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. WACIF has been continuously certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 1996, making the organization one of the nation’s first CDFIs.

Source: Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies