reSURGEnce NYC to bring entrepreneurs, investors and leaders to Columbia University on Nov. 18

The reSURGEnce NYC Conference 2026 will convene business owners, investors and community leaders in New York City to focus on access to capital, government contracts and global markets. The event aims to help underrepresented entrepreneurs build the relationships and strategies needed for growth across U.S. and international markets.

Why it matters: - The conference is designed to help entrepreneurs turn access into growth by connecting them with funding, public contracts and market opportunities. - reSURGEnce is targeting Black and African American entrepreneurs, women-owned businesses and other underrepresented communities that often face barriers to capital and networks. - The New York gathering also extends conversations about trade and investment between Africa, the United States and other global markets.

What happened: - reSURGEnce NYC Conference 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - The event will be held at The Lee C. Bollinger Forum at Columbia University, 605 West 125th Street in West Harlem. - Entrepreneurs, investors, institutional and community leaders will gather to explore pathways for business growth across local, national and international markets. - Participants from around the world are welcome. - Registration is available through the conference website.

The details: - The conference theme is “Decreasing Barriers by Increasing Access.” - The program will focus on three business areas: government contracts, funding and capital, and global markets. - Government contracts sessions will cover public-sector procurement opportunities and how to prepare a business to compete. - Funding and capital discussions will cover funding strategies and how to position a business for investment. - Global markets sessions will cover cross-border partnerships, new customers and connections between Africa, the United States and other international markets. - The gathering is aimed at entrepreneurs across New York and the tri-state area who want to move beyond existing networks. - International participants are expected to use the event to explore U.S. business connections and exchange ideas, resources and opportunities. - Rev. Dennis Dillon, founder and global chair of reSURGEnce, leads the initiative. - The initiative brings together business, government, corporate, faith and community networks around a goal of strengthening businesses and the communities they serve. - reSURGEnce builds on a recent conference in Durban, South Africa. - The New York event is meant to continue discussions about trade, investment and stronger business relationships between Africa and the United States. - Entrepreneurs, small business owners, investors, corporate representatives, nonprofit leaders and faith institutions are invited.

Between the lines: - The conference is positioning itself as both a networking event and a practical access point for entrepreneurs who need capital, customers and institutional relationships. - The Durban-to-New York sequence suggests reSURGEnce is building an international platform rather than hosting a one-off local event. - The emphasis on underrepresented founders points to a broader economic inclusion message alongside the business-development agenda.

What's next: - Attendees are expected to use the Nov. 18 gathering to identify partnerships, funding options and next steps for expansion. - reSURGEnce will likely continue using future events to deepen links among African, diaspora and international business communities. - Organizers are encouraging participants to attend with questions, business cards and growth plans.