Rudd’s R.U.B.B. Initiative Hosts Fourth Annual Black Business Leadership Conference
- Marla Beaver
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Seattle, WA — The Rudd’s Raising Up Black Businesses (R.U.B.B.) Initiative is preparing to host its fourth annual Black Business Leadership Conference on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. With the theme “The Time is Now: Leading & Rising Together,” this year’s gathering calls on Black entrepreneurs and business leaders to connect, share insights, and strengthen the ecosystem of Black-owned businesses across the Pacific Northwest.
Founded in 2021 by Lewis and Darnell Rudd, co-founders of Seattle’s iconic Ezell’s Famous Chicken, along with their sister Faye Stephens, the R.U.B.B. Initiative provides no-strings-attached grants, resources, and community support for Black-owned businesses. The annual conference has become a cornerstone event for education, networking, and empowerment.
The 2025 program will feature a wide-ranging lineup of conversations, workshops, and panels designed to meet the needs of both emerging entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders. Session topics include:
“Seattle’s Black Business Horizon: Legacy & Power” — Fireside conversation with Lewis Rudd and Wyking Garrett.
“Command the Room: Breath, Voice & Presence” — A public speaking lab with Toyia T. Taylor.
“AI for Us: Building Smarter, Not Harder with Agents & Automation.”
“Capital, Culture & Courage: Black VC Leaders on Investing in Our Future.”
“Contracting Dollars, Black Power: Unlocking Procurement + Public Contracts.”
Other sessions will explore culturally grounded leadership, wealth-building strategies, career coaching, and entrepreneurial discipline — all focused on creating actionable tools for attendees to take back to their businesses and communities.
The conference will also spotlight restaurateur Theo Martin of Island Soul, a past R.U.B.B. grant recipient. Organizers say Martin’s story of perseverance and deep community connection embodies the initiative’s mission to affirm, support, and celebrate Black-owned businesses.
“BBLC is a rally cry for collective elevation,” said Lewis Rudd. “In a time when so much is shifting, we stand together, not just to survive, but to sustain, evolve, and thrive. The time is now to build stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a more connected Black economic ecosystem.”
Running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the daylong event will blend networking with education and inspiration, culminating in closing reflections from Lewis Rudd. Tickets are $60, with scholarships available to ensure accessibility for entrepreneurs at every stage.
Since its inception, the R.U.B.B. Initiative has distributed business grants and built bridges between entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and community leaders. The annual conference extends that mission, offering both practical strategies and a shared vision for the future of Black business leadership.
For tickets or scholarship requests, visit www.ruddsrubb.org.
