Building Black Excellence: 5th Annual Black Business Expo Returns to Carbondale | Building A Better Community
CARBONDALE, Ill. (WSIL) — In a region where history, hustle, and heart intersect, the 5th Annual Black Business Expo is once again opening its doors and this year’s message is clear: Together We Thrive.
Set for Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center, the expo is a powerful celebration of culture, commerce, and community, spotlighting Black-owned businesses, local vendors, and nonprofit organizations from across Southern Illinois.
Organizers describe the event as more than a marketplace it’s an economic engine. The expo gives entrepreneurs a chance to put their brands front and center, shake hands with new customers, and turn conversations into contracts. From startups planting seeds to established businesses scaling up, this is a space where ideas grow and legacies are built.
Vendors will gain direct access to a diverse and engaged audience eager to shop intentionally, support local, and invest in the community. It’s also a prime networking opportunity, connecting business owners with fellow entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers who understand that Black history isn’t just something we honor it’s something we continue to build.
Vendor spaces are now open, with fees set at $30 for members and $50 for non-members. Organizers encourage early registration, noting that participation is an investment not just in individual businesses, but in the broader economic future of Southern Illinois.
As Black History Month continues to highlight resilience, innovation, and ownership, the 5th Annual Black Business Expo stands as a reminder that progress is powered by people willing to show up, stand out, and circulate the dollar locally.
For more information visit the Facebook event page or the Black Chamber of Commerce Website.
