What is "The Gathering" event on Martha's Vineyard?

The Black Economic Alliance is hosting "The Gathering," an event that brings together corporate leaders to discuss ways to increase opportunities for Black employees and companies.

How are companies using Martha's Vineyard to connect with Black business leaders?

A wide range of companies, including Disney, Cisco, and Goldman Sachs, are hosting or sponsoring business-focused events on the island in August 2025 to connect with Black entrepreneurs, investors, and financial firms.

Why is Martha's Vineyard becoming an important hub for Black business?

According to Calvin Butts, founder of East Chop Capital, the "magic" of Martha's Vineyard lies in the ability to introduce different networks, which has helped the firm find success in raising capital and showcasing its portfolio companies on the island.

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Martha's Vineyard Emerges as Vibrant Hub for Black Business Leaders

1 Aug

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Summary

Martha's Vineyard draws Black entrepreneurs, investors, and firms for events
Wide range of companies host business-focused events on the island in August
Black Economic Alliance hosts "The Gathering" to discuss uplifting Black culture

Martha's Vineyard Emerges as Vibrant Hub for Black Business Leaders

As of August 2025, Martha's Vineyard, the Massachusetts beach community, has emerged as an important hub for Black entrepreneurs, investors, and financial firms. The island, long known as a summer vacation destination for Black families, is now attracting a wide range of companies to host business-focused events there.

According to Calvin Butts, founder of East Chop Capital, a private equity firm based on the island, the "magic" of Martha's Vineyard lies in the ability to connect different networks. Butts says the firm has found great success in raising capital and showcasing its portfolio companies on the Vineyard.

Prominent organizations like Disney, Cisco, Goldman Sachs, McDonald's, Google, Ford, McKinsey, and Comcast are all hosting or sponsoring events on the island this month. The Black Economic Alliance is also organizing an event called "The Gathering," which brings together corporate leaders to discuss ways to increase opportunities for Black employees and companies.

"The Vineyard is a spot to capture an audience who wants to have an intellectual and financial conversation about how to uplift Black culture," explains Melissa Bradley, general partner of the BEA Venture Fund.

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