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Phi Beta Sigma Makes History with Inaugural Georgia Bigger and Better Business Virtual Summit
Posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 12:18 PM
Led by Georgia Bigger and Better Business State Director Brother Andre L. Belue, the First-Ever Summit Unites Fraternity Leadership, Entrepreneurs, Elected Officials, and Community Partners to Advance Black Economic Empowerment
ATLANTA, GA | October 22, 2026 — History was made on Thursday evening as Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, hosted its inaugural Georgia Bigger and Better Business Virtual Summit, marking a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, financial education, and Black business ownership.
The first-of-its-kind statewide virtual summit was spearheaded and led by Brother Andre L. Belue, Georgia State Director of Bigger and Better Business, whose vision was to create an accessible platform connecting business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, fraternity leadership, and community partners with valuable knowledge, resources, and opportunities.
With approximately 95 registered participants, the summit brought together voices from across Georgia and beyond under a shared mission: turning relationships into opportunities, business knowledge into action, and economic empowerment into lasting community impact.
Distinguished Leadership Supports Historic Initiative
The inaugural summit featured participation from distinguished leaders of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, including International President Honorable Brother David A. Turner, Georgia State Director Brother Dr. Walter Stephens, International Director of Bigger and Better Business Brother Charles Jones, Southern Regional Director Brother Kenneth “Sarge” Straughter, and other regional and international leaders.
President Turner emphasized intentional support for Black-owned businesses and highlighted emerging opportunities involving the Divine Nine business network and the fraternity’s Blueprint business platform. Brother Jones reinforced the organization’s commitment to measurable economic impact, business engagement, mentorship, and expanding opportunities for Sigma entrepreneurs.
Connecting Civic Leadership, Mentorship, and Economic Growth
Georgia State Representative Brother Derrick Jackson, representing House District 68, addressed the intersection of civic engagement, public policy, and economic opportunity, emphasizing the importance of understanding the history of voting rights and participating in the democratic process.
Honorable Brother Chris V. Rey, J.D., representing Operation HOPE, highlighted the 1 Million Black Businesses initiative and encouraged fraternity members to participate in the Next Gen Mentorship program, which connects experienced professionals with the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
Practical Education and Community Partnerships
The summit featured two impactful business education presentations. Brother Dr. Sinclair Grey III explored the power of networking and relationship building, encouraging entrepreneurs to develop authentic connections, strengthen their professional networks, and prioritize consistent follow-up.
Brother Dr. Shannon L. Lee provided practical guidance on business credit, financial readiness, and preparing entrepreneurs to pursue funding opportunities.
Community partner Greater Wealth Works, represented by Monique LaRue Wilson, MBA, shared valuable programs and resources designed to support microbusinesses, solopreneurs, and growing enterprises. The summit also recognized Operation HOPE and Eventnoire for their contributions and partnership in advancing entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Vision to Victory”
Entrepreneur Panel Inspires Action A major highlight of the evening was the Vision to Victory Entrepreneurship Panel, moderated by Brother Belue. The panel featured Frank Jefferson, Ronald Hart Brown, Trae D. Johnson, Alfonte Thomas, Antoinne Dwayne Jones, and Elder Angelo Hill, who shared their entrepreneurial experiences, business challenges, and lessons learned.
The discussion addressed access to capital, networking, financial discipline, brand differentiation, customer service, strategic partnerships, and sustainable business growth. Panelists emphasized the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses through intentional purchasing, referrals, collaboration, and leveraging professional relationships.
A Vision Beyond One Evening
The inaugural summit concluded with a challenge from Brother Belue encouraging every participant to support at least one Black-owned business, establish a new professional connection, and take one meaningful action toward achieving a financial or entrepreneurial goal.
Under Brother Belue’s leadership, the inaugural Georgia Bigger and Better Business Virtual Summit established a foundation for continued statewide collaboration, mentorship, business education, and economic development initiatives.
The Georgia Bigger and Better Business team extends its appreciation to the fraternity’s international, regional, and state leadership, featured speakers, panelists, community partners, and attendees who helped make this historic first summit possible.
The inaugural summit may have lasted one evening, but its mission is designed to create an impact for years to come.
About Phi Beta Sigma’s Bigger and Better Business Program
Bigger and Better Business is one of the three international programs of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. The program promotes entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business development, and economic empowerment through education, partnerships, and community engagement.
MEDIA CONTACT
Brother Andre L. Belue | Georgia State Director of Bigger and Better Business Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated | linkedin.com/in/belue
