Michigan Central – Newlab, in Detroit, Michigan
Tuesday • June 10, 2025 – Friday, June 13, 2025
SEE YOU IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Transforming entrepreneurship thru capital, capacity and connections
SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT
Sustainability Summit is BIA’s annual gathering focused on accelerating entrepreneurial success through expanded access to funding, partnerships, business development resources, and emerging technologies. The summit brings together innovation ecosystem stakeholders to create real scaling opportunities, while providing entrepreneurs with practical pathways to business sustainability.
BUILT DIFFERENT. BUILT TOGETHER. BUILT TO LAST.
Growing a business isn’t for the faint of heart.
Surviving in today’s business landscape requires relationships, resources and resiliency. And no city embodies that fighting innovative spirit quite like Detroit, MI!
This year’s summit will take place at the award-winning Michigan Central—recently named one of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies. Our partnership with Michigan Central creates ideal conditions for catalytic collaborations, intimate strategy sessions and demonstrations of BIA’s emerging technology, including BlackSpring and Wealth Quest.
We Are
BUILT DIFFERENT
Sustainability Summit is a different model of “conference.” With over 170 innovator support organizations—collectively supporting a total of 300,000+ emerging entrepreneurs globally—our Built Different workshops will showcase the expertise transforming how today’s leader designs with a competitive edge.
We Are
BUILT TOGETHER
Detroit’s Sustainability Summit turns passive conference networking into active partnerships. Our Built Together keynotes and experts will get under the hood to uncover a range of opportunities for today’s entrepreneur—including how partnerships, alliances and mergers translate into strategic profitability.
We Are
BUILT TO LAST
Like the spirit of Motown, BIA is building solutions designed for entrepreneurs to build enduring legacies. Our Built to Last sessions center capital, capacity and connections—including a fireside with our summit sponsors, UBS.
WHAT ATTENDEES WILL GAIN AT SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT ‘25
Transformation
Transform business models through our cutting-edge AI implementation workshop and strategic branding sessions
Community
Experience the power of collective wisdom connecting with Detroit's vibrant business community
Workshops
Master sustainable business practices through workshops on innovative capital approaches and proven wellness techniques
Funding
Intimate access to leading funders, emerging technologies and industry insights
- 2025 Schedule
day one
Tuesday • June 10
12p–8p
Open Registration
2p–6p
Ecosystem Builders Hospitality Suite
day two
Wednesday • June 11th
8A–9A
Open Registration and Breakfast
9A
Welcome and Housekeeping Updates
9:15A–9:30A
Grounding Activity
9:35A–10:20A
Fireside Chat
10:20A–10:55A
Member to Member Networking
11A–12:30P
Workshop Session
12:30P–1:30P
Lunch
1:45P–3:00P
Presentation
3:00P–3:15P
Connection & Reflection
3:30P–4:45P
Panel Discussion
6P–8:30P
The Cookout
day three
Thursday • June 12th
8A–9A
Sign in & Breakfast
9A–9:15A
Daily Update and Housekeeping Notes
9:15A–9:30A
Grounding Activity
9:35A–10:30A
Keynote Address
10:30A–10:45A
Connection & Reflection
11A–11:45A
Presentation
11:45A–12P
Connection & Reflection
12:30P–2P
Lunch & BIA Awards Ceremony
2P–3P
Panel Discussion
3P–4P
Meet & Greet UBS/Friends of BIA
6P–8:30P
Friends of BIA Salon
day four
Friday • June 13th
8A–9A
Sign in & Breakfast
9A–9:15A
Daily Update and Housekeeping Notes
9:15A–9:30A
Grounding Activity
9:30AM–10:25A
Workshop Session
10:30A–11:25A
Presentation
11:30AM–1P
Closing Session and CEO Address
1P
Farewell
2p
Depart for home
Speakers and Hosts
Keynote Speakers
Erika Alexander
Color Farm Impact
Actress, Producer, Activist and Co-Founder
Lisa Price
Carol's Daughter
Founder & President
Speaker Gallery
Robert Gordon IV
BLCK VC
CEO
Lamar Tyler
Tyler New Media
CEO and co-founder
Bianca Jackson
BrickRose Exchange
Founder
Charity Dean
Michigan Black Business Alliance
President & CEO
Lakisha Greenwade
Wearable Tech Ventures
Founder and CEO
Monica Wheat
Venture Catalysts
Founder and executive director
Vincent Hunt
The Bureau of Creative Intelligence
Founder and CEO
Become a corporate partner
Contribute to BIA
See you in Detroit, Friends!