Join US Saturday, February 28, 2026
53rd H. Naylor Fitzhugh ConferencE
AT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
Founded in 1973, the H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference, hosted by the African American Student Union (AASU) and the Black Investment Club (BIC) at Harvard Business School, is an annual gathering honoring Black leadership and achievement. We welcome students of all backgrounds who are inspired by prominent underrepresented voices shaping business and culture today. Each year, the conference brings together current HBS students, peers from other MBA programs, young professionals, and alumni for a full day of dynamic panels, thought-provoking keynote conversations, the HBS Black New Venture Competition (which has awarded over $300K in non-dilutive capital to early-stage founders), and a post-conference networking reception and soiree.
This year’s theme – Forward by Design: Defining Our Future – explores how we define success for our community in this moment, and how the next generation of leaders can bring that vision to life.
black new venture competition
Now in its sixth year, the Black New Venture Competition (BNVC) is Harvard's largest venture competition, focused on Black pre-seed and seed stage entrepreneurs. Founders have the opportunity to pitch their ventures to a panel of esteemed judges for a chance to win non-dilutive capital. Past winners have gone on to raise more than $10 million in funding.
Applications Closed November 11, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.
Soiree
Join AASU & BIC for an evening of celebration with conference attendees as we wrap the celebratory weekend.
Attire: Cocktail