Montgomery County Black Collective Opens Exhibitor Applications for 3rd Annual Black Business Expo

The 2026 event is expected to attract over 1,000 registrants and feature 60 exhibitor booths for Black-owned businesses and organizations.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Montgomery County Black Collective is now accepting exhibitor applications for the 2026 Black Business Expo, scheduled to take place on Friday, June 12. Building on the success of the 2025 Expo, which welcomed over 700 registered attendees, the 2026 event is expected to attract upwards of 1,000 registrants. With only 60 exhibitor booths available, participation is intentionally limited to ensure meaningful engagement, strong foot traffic, and high-quality visibility for exhibitors.

Why it matters

The Expo draws a highly engaged audience of primarily Black consumers from Montgomery County and the greater DMV and Baltimore regions, providing a valuable platform for Black-owned businesses and organizations to connect with and support their community.

The details

Exhibitors benefit from extensive, multi-month promotion leading up to the event, including access to the Collective's 3,500+ person email list, promotion across social media, paid digital advertising, press outreach, and visibility through community partners and chambers. Participating businesses are also featured on the Expo website, included in digital and printed event programs, added to the Montgomery County Black Collective's online business directory for six months following the Expo, and provided access to post-event media coverage and photos.

  • The deadline to apply is Friday, March 16, 2026.
  • The 2026 Black Business Expo is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 12.

The players

Montgomery County Black Collective

A organization transforming the way resources support small and underserved businesses in Montgomery County, MD, providing access to affordable consulting services, educational courses, and essential tools with a focus on equity.

Takoma Therapy

A business that participated in the 2025 Black Business Expo and praised the event as the "last and best one" they had attended that spring.

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What they’re saying

“It was a busy day at my table, but I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the event. I've been to about 10 other events this spring, and yours was the last and best one! Thank you so much for organizing this and for spotlighting Black businesses in such a meaningful way.”

— Takoma Therapy (Montgomery County Black Collective)

What’s next

All applications will be reviewed collectively to ensure a balanced mix of industries and alignment with the Expo's mission. Notifications will be sent by April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The 2026 Black Business Expo provides a valuable platform for Black-owned businesses and organizations in Montgomery County to connect with and support their community, with extensive promotion and opportunities for exhibitors to maximize their engagement and return on participation.