Small Business Spotlight: Disruptor Summit

Debbie Dickinson, Esq. co-owner of Thermaband, awarded a $15,000 check by Walmart Business at the Disruptor Summit by Black Enterprise

Walmart Business continues to be a proud corporate sponsor of the Disruptor Summit hosted by Black Enterprise which took place on Wednesday, May 19th. The Disruptor Summit is a creative business conference that connects, uplifts and empowers Black entrepreneurs, innovators and investors. It was created to amplify, celebrate and exchange ideas with change agents who have disrupted their respective industry or market by means of innovation, ingenuity and new technology.

Opening remarks & key speakers

To kick-start the summit, CEO & President of Black Enterprise, Earl Butch Graves, provided opening remarks. From special guest speakers such as Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta, GA to Megan Thomas Williams “MegScoop” (On-Air personality) to entrepreneurs and entertainment moguls such as Nick Cannon (Ncredible Entertainment) and Cameron “Cam’ron” Giles, attendees were able to hear from a diverse set of accomplished business leaders from across seven different sessions of engaging topics around enterprise growth.

Engaging sessions, expert panels & honors

Attendees took advantage of the variety of sessions offered. From “Big Business: How to Fund, Grow and Scale Your Startup” to “Standing on Business: Disruptive Tech Strategies for Entrepreneurs,” attendees gained valuable insights that could be incorporated into their business goals. The Summit also included the “Ask the Expert” series of panels on “Trademark Tips You Should Never Forget” and “Marketing to Millions: Unleashing the Power of Cultural Insights” in addition to a menu list of other engaging topics. Other sessions from the conference included “Innovate for Impact: Empowering Diverse Communities Through Creative Solutions” and “Cultural Disruption: Leading in the New Norm.” 

Attendees also gained access to unique group business coaching sessions throughout the day hosted by Ivy Scott, Founder & CEO of IVLeague Marketing, Doll Avant, Founder & CEO Aquagently and Lawrence E. Henderson, President & CEO of Business Operational Support Services, LLC.

After a full day of panel and business coaching sessions, Black Enterprise honored special guests for their exceptional accomplishments and impact within their respective professional industries. Among these honorees, Black Enterprise recognized Lena Ford, CEO of Positively Lena & Co-Founder of the Kinship Family Initiative, Miss Diddy, CEO of The Brand Group Firm as well as Arian Simone, Founder of the Fearless Fund. The summit concluded with an after party hosted by DJ Sean Faylon.

Pitch competition sponsored by Walmart Business

Walmart Business sponsored the Disruptor Summit’s $15,000 Fast Pitch Competition, a premier event aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, particularly Black-owned businesses, and fostering innovation in various industries. This competition offers an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures, gain exposure and compete for significant cash prizes. Among the esteemed panel of judges, Torarie Durden, Head of Marketing at Walmart Business, lent his expertise and insight to the evaluation process.

“It was a privilege to hear from so many passionate entrepreneurs” –Torarie Durden

Walmart Business was proud to award a $15,000 check to Debbie Dickinson, Esq. (above), owner of Thermaband as the pitch contest winner. 

Thermaband’s mission is to reframe midlife and empower women to control their thermal comfort through their product. Believing that women deserve a natural, effective and desirable solution designed by women for women and their families, Debbie and her daughter Markea Dickinson created a smart personal thermostat. This device, the Zone, provides heating and cooling sensations, as well as digital health data, and was co-created with a robust community of women.

Open Call pitch recordings at the Walmart Business booth

Summit attendees also had an opportunity to record a 60-second video, pitching their businesses to the Walmart Business supplier diversity team. Business owners with products made, grown or assembled in America were able to share about their businesses with hopes of receiving a special invitation to attend Walmart’s Open Call.¹ Open Call is an event for selected American entrepreneurs to meet face-to-face with Walmart merchants and potentially get their product in the hands of millions of Walmart customers.

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¹  Open Call

² Restrictions apply. 

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