Last year, I sat down with Nigeria Ealey, founder and CEO of TIER, a fashion brand known for its high-quality streetwear – to discuss “The Vision Fueling TIER’s Pioneering Collaboration” with ForbesBLK. 

The limited edition, 3-piece capsule collection – which featured a sweatsuit set and laptop case – was designed as part of an initiative to spotlight the talents of Black creatives through exclusive product drops on Forbes. 

As TIER celebrated 10 years, Nigeria reflected on how it all started at the age of 21 in his college dorm room. His story stands out. A Harvard University study found that “17% of U.S. college students run their own businesses”, yet the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute reports that “75% of student start-ups don't survive post-grad.”

TIER is a rare exception. Self-funded, Black-owned and thriving, Nigeria emphasizes why representation matters: “People need to see what it looks like, and know that it’s possible.”

That is why we’re thrilled to announce a new addition to the ForbesBLK newsletter: a recurring section spotlighting HBCU alumni, founders and trailblazers. Launching this summer with the support of Zoe Cummings, a 2025 Forbes HBCU scholar and rising senior at Howard University.

Zoe shares, “Exposure is everything, and for HBCU business owners specifically, it is often lacking and hard to attain. It’s important for companies like Forbes to spotlight these entrepreneurs because where endorsement goes, investment follows.”

Through insider interviews with HBCU founders, the column will offer practical insights and actionable advice on building a business – from licensing, to raising capital to marketing best practices. 

This initiative builds toward the 2025 ForbesBLK Summit, which we’re proud to host at the historic Morehouse College this October – deepening our commitment to HBCUs that have helped “generate $16.5 billion in direct economic impact nationally,” according to the UNCF 2024 Economic Impact Report.

A recent Third Way report noted that “72% of HBCUs offer opportunities for students and alumni to build networks on entrepreneurship and business issues.” And while nonprofits like the HBCU Founders Initiative (HBCUFI) - one of the largest HBCU-centered pre-accelerators in the country, have supported over 1200 startup founders, there remains a pressing need for a broader ecosystem, stronger capital pipelines and scalable infrastructure. 

That’s where you come in. 

We’re bringing back the Marketplace at the 2025 ForbesBLK Summit – an opportunity to showcase ForbesBLK member and HBCU Alumni businesses. Applications are open now, so submit your business for consideration today! 

And yes – for those onsite, the limited edition TIER x ForbesBLK merch will be available for sale. 

Until next time, stay connected with me on LinkedIn & Instagram!