Register today to attend the United States Patent and Trademark Office Cultural Creativity, Global Impact program highlighting the unique perspectives Historically Black College and University (HCBU) students and alumni bring to the global stage. Join us online Thursday, February 20 from 1-3 p.m. ET. Learn about the HBCU student and alumni entrepreneurship journey, financial resources, IP protection, and more.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please email InnovationOutreach@uspto.gov. To see recordings of previous Black Innovation and Entrepreneurship programs, visit the event series page and select the event you want to watch.
Agenda
(Subject to change. All times Eastern Time)
| Time | Topic | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 1:03 p.m. | Welcome | NaThanya Ferguson, Director, Innovation Outreach Division, USPTO |
| 1:03 – 1:05 p.m. | Leadership greetings | Mr. Derris Banks, Director, Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office |
| 1:05 - 1:07 p.m. | Opening Remarks | Mr. E. Scott Morris, Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, Chair of Footwear |
| 1:07 – 1:47 p.m. | IP Protection and Community Engagement Panel discussion | Moderator: Mr. Derris Banks, Director, Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office Speakers: Dr. Ken Harris President, CEO, The National Business League Mr. E. Scott Morris, Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, Chair of Footwear |
| 1:47 – 1:50 p.m. | Break | |
| 1:50 – 2:15 p.m. | Entrepreneurial Journey of HBCU Students Panel discussion | Moderator: Ms. Nikki Taylor, Director of High School Outreach and Community College Student Programs Speakers: Mr. Matthew Wholeness, Pensole Lewis College alumni Mr. Jordan Dixon, Pensole Lewis College alumni |
| 2:15 - 2:17 p.m. | Break | |
| 2:17 – 2:57 p.m. | Funding Resources Panel discussion
| Moderator: Mr. James Wilson, Deputy Director, Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office Speakers: Ms. Laketa Henderson, District Director, Michigan District Office, Small Business Administration Ms. Madison Schillig, Motor City Match Program Director, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation Mr. Dimitrius Hutcherson, President, First Independence Bank |
| 2:57 - 3 p.m. | Closing remarks | Ms. NaThanya Ferguson, Director, Innovation Outreach Division, USPTO |
The Black Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program is presented by the Office of Innovation Outreach. For more information, or if you have any questions, please email InnovationOutreach@uspto.gov.
To see recordings of previous Black Innovation and Entrepreneurship programs, visit the event series page and select the event you want to watch.
The USPTO offers inspirational and educational events, open to all, that feature successful innovators from a wide variety of backgrounds. Come learn about intellectual property, innovation, and valuable resources available to independent inventors, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and underrepresented or underserved populations. Find out more at www.uspto.gov/innovationforall.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.