R.U.B.B. Initiative Unites Black Business Leaders for 4th Annual Conference at UW Seattle
- Bettina Carey
- Sep 27
- 2 min read
Seattle, WA — The Rudd’s Raising Up Black Businesses (R.U.B.B.) Initiative is gearing up to host its fourth annual Black Business Leadership Conference (BBLC) on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. Under the bold theme “The Time is Now: Leading & Rising Together,” the event invites Black entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders to connect, share expertise, and accelerate the growth of Black-owned businesses across the Pacific Northwest.
Founded in 2021 by Lewis and Darnell Rudd, the visionary co-founders of Ezell’s Famous Chicken, alongside their sister Faye Stephens, the R.U.B.B. Initiative has become a lifeline for Black-owned businesses by providing unrestricted grants, strategic resources, and mentorship opportunities. Over the years, the BBLC has evolved into a must-attend event for those looking to amplify their impact and expand their networks.
This year’s program delivers a power-packed lineup of workshops, panels, and conversations designed for entrepreneurs at every stage. Highlights include:
Seattle’s Black Business Horizon: Legacy & Power — A fireside chat with Lewis Rudd and Wyking Garrett.
Command the Room: Breath, Voice & Presence — A transformative public speaking lab with Toyia T. Taylor.
AI for Us: Building Smarter, Not Harder — Insights into automation and AI for Black-owned businesses.
Capital, Culture & Courage — A panel featuring Black VC leaders on funding the future.
Contracting Dollars, Black Power — Practical guidance on securing procurement and public contracts.
Other sessions will explore culturally rooted leadership, wealth-building strategies, entrepreneurial discipline, and career development — equipping attendees with actionable tools to grow businesses and uplift communities.
The conference will also honor Theo Martin of Island Soul, a previous R.U.B.B. grant recipient whose journey of resilience and community commitment embodies the Initiative’s mission.
“BBLC is a rally cry for collective elevation,” says Lewis Rudd. “This moment calls for more than survival. It’s about building businesses and communities that are resilient, thriving, and interconnected.”
The day runs 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and blends inspiration, education, and networking with closing reflections from Lewis Rudd himself. Tickets are $60, with scholarships available to ensure accessibility for entrepreneurs across all levels.
Since its launch, the R.U.B.B. Initiative has distributed grants and forged partnerships that bridge the gap between entrepreneurs, corporations, and community leaders. The annual conference extends this mission, offering both practical strategies and a shared vision for the future of Black business leadership in the Pacific Northwest.
For tickets or scholarship information, visit www.ruddsrubb.org.
Follow @rubbinitiative on Instagram, find the Black Business Leadership Conference on Facebook, and connect on LinkedIn.
