Revolutionizing Opportunity: Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership Advocates for the 98%

The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership facilitates its 7th annual summit focused on fostering inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

NEWARK, N.J., March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) is excited to announce that registration is open for the Conscious Collisions Summit 2025, a groundbreaking virtual event taking place March 25-27, 2025. Evolved from the WOCCON Summit, this seventh annual convening promises to bring together a powerhouse assembly of thought leaders, from investors and policymakers to founders and advocates, to address the barriers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and drive systemic change.

Under this year's bold theme, "Beyond the 2%", the summit amplifies the focus of IFELs mission to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial capital ecosystem.

Jill Johnson, CEO and Cofounder of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership says, "The '2%' theme for this year's summit represents some troubling realities. Less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to Black and Brown founders. Less than 2% of angel investors identify as Black and only about 2% of all companies receive VC funding. The Conscious Collisions Summit is focusing on the 98% of talent, potential, and opportunity being left out of the current system."

Key highlights of the Conscious Collisions Summit include:

• Panels that Inspire Action:
  • The Rocky Road to Success
  • Insights from the 98%
  • Being an Ally: Listen, Learn & Make a Difference
  • Show Her the Money (movie screening and discussion)
  • Investor Inclusion: Why Who's Writing the Checks Matters
  • Government for the People
• Engaging Experiences: A crowdfunding showcase, vibrant virtual mixers, and intimate discussions to foster meaningful connections.
• Keynote Speaker: Renowned entrepreneur Maxine Clark, Founder and Former Chief Executive of Build-A-Bear Workshop, will provide innovator insights at the event.

"Together, we'll use this summit to highlight bold ideas, drive inclusive solutions, and shift focus to the innovators, investors, and allies who are reshaping the narrative," says Johnson. "By focusing on the 98%, we can create more pathways to the American Dream for more people. When more people thrive, we all win."

Learn more, see the full agenda, and speakers for Conscious Collisions Summit 2025: creatingconsciouscollisions.org. 

About The Institute For Entrepreneurial Leadership
IFEL is a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of relationship capital to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founded in 2002, IFEL's mission is to eradicate the systemic barriers that prevent historically excluded populations from being able to access the knowledge, networks, and capital required for entrepreneurial success and wealth creation. Annually, IFEL supports a community of more than 10,000 businesses, 600 investors, and 2,000 expert business volunteers. To learn more, visit weareifel.org.

Media Contact:
Jeremee Johnson
973-353-0611 ext. 129

SOURCE Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership Inc.