The Futures We Build Summit 2026

The Futures We Build Summit — BGV Foundation

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Sept. 9–12, 2026 ◆#FuturesWeBuild ◆10 Years of BGV ◆$4M+ to Founders ◆Washington, DC ◆Pull Up & Pitch ◆41,000+ Founders ◆Register Now ◆Sept. 9–12, 2026 ◆#FuturesWeBuild ◆10 Years of BGV ◆$4M+ to Founders ◆Washington, DC ◆Pull Up & Pitch ◆41,000+ Founders ◆Register Now ◆

About the Summit

A decade of proof.
A future to build.

For ten years, BGV Foundation has operated from a radical belief: that under-resourced founders don't just survive — they build.

Now, at a decade of impact, we're convening founders, funders, ecosystem builders, and policymakers to ask the defining question: What future are we building together?

$4M+

Distributed to Founders

41K+

Founders Supported

5,100+

Jobs Created

1,200+

Founders Funded

BGV was founded in Washington, D.C. to confront systemic barriers to entrepreneurship at the community level. Since then, our impact has grown far beyond our roots, expanding nationally to support under-resourced founders across the country.

Omi BellFounder & CEO, BGV Foundation

The Summit

At the intersection of innovation,
equity, and entrepreneurship.

What

A curated, high-impact gathering bringing together founders, funders, corporate partners, and community builders to co-create the future of inclusive entrepreneurship.

Why

The U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness a public health epidemic in 2023. Even innovators aren't immune. The most transformative ideas in history weren't built in isolation — they were built in rooms, in community, in relationship. This Summit exists because the future doesn't get built alone.

Who

500+ founders, investors, ecosystem builders, corporate allies, media, and changemakers committed to building a future where opportunity is equitable and entrepreneurship is accessible to all.

Program at a Glance

Four days. One movement.

The Westin DC Downtown

·999 9th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Sept 9 — Wednesday

Welcome Home

Opening Reception

Bar mixer at the host hotel. High connection, low agenda. Old friends reunite, new ones find their people.

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Sept 10 — Thursday

The Summit

Roots → Now → Next

Decade of impact. Honest panels. Breakout sessions for founders, funders, students & ecosystem builders.

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Sept 11 — Friday

Grounded

A Day of Restoration

Wellness, breathwork, healing circles & intentional rest before re-entering the world.

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Sept 12 — Saturday

Pull Up & Pitch

The Grand Finale

BGV's signature pitch competition. Founders on stage, grants awarded, next chapter announced.

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Community

What our community says.

The BGV community gave me the room I didn't know I needed. I left with three real relationships and a completely different sense of what was possible for my business.

BGV Founder

Program Alumna

Walking into a BGV event feels like coming home. The caliber of people in the room — and how willing they are to share — is unlike anything else in this space.

BGV Partner

Investor & Ecosystem Builder

BGV doesn't just talk about equity — they build it, event by event. I've been to a lot of conferences, but I've never felt this seen as a builder.

BGV Community Member

Founder & Changemaker

Who Attends

This room is built
for all of us.

Community celebration meets thought leadership meets revival. Come home. Leave ready to go further.

Secure Your Spot

BGV Alumni & Founders
Aspiring Founders & Small Business Owners
Ecosystem Builders & Accelerator Leaders
Funders & Legacy Donors
Corporate Partners
Students & Emerging Leaders
Policymakers

Hotel & Travel

Book Your Stay

We've secured a room block at the host hotel.
Book before it fills up.

The Westin DC Downtown

999 9th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

September 9–12, 2026

Reserve Your Room →

Discounted rates are available through our room block. Rates not guaranteed after block fills.

Secure Your Spot

Choose your experience.

Every pass includes access to a room built on real community. Pick what fits you.

Free Event

Pull Up & Pitch

Free

Attend BGV's signature pitch competition on Saturday Sept 12. Open to all.

Skip the Line

P.U.&P. Priority Pass

$50

Lock in your guaranteed place in the pitch line. First-come seats go fast.

One Day

Day Pass

$149

One day of your choice — The Summit (Sept 10) or Wellness Day (Sept 11).

Proud partners building
the future with us.

Nike

PIMCO

Target

Become a Sponsor →

Have Questions?

Frequently asked questions.

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Still have questions? Email us at contact@bgvfoundation.org

Build

Join Us

We Can't Do
This Without
You.

Join us in building the future of inclusive entrepreneurship.

100–250 in-person · 500–1,000 digital reach
September 9–12, 2026 · Washington, D.C.
The Westin DC Downtown · 999 9th Street NW

A decade of proof.A future to build.

At the intersection of innovation,equity, and entrepreneurship.