Closing the Wealth Gap Through Community: The B3 Project's Approach

LeBrent Speed created the Better Black Business (B3) Project, a professional networking space created by to support and empower Black entrepreneurs and their allies.

In a time of growing economic inequality, one organization is working to empower Black entrepreneurs and professionals to build wealth and support each other. The B3 Project, founded by LeBrent Speed, is creating a unique networking community focused on serving, supporting, and uplifting its members.

"We generate about 1.5 trillion dollars of economy a year, but 98% of our dollars leave our community without ever coming back," LeBrent said. "I wanted to create an authentic space where we collaborate, we build each other up, and we are able to refer each other, open doors for one another."

Not Your Typical Networking

The B3 Project is built on seven core values, including "serve before we sell" and "wellness over work." This intentional focus on building relationships and taking care of oneself sets it apart from traditional networking events.

"We don't really do the whole passing out cards thing," LeBrent said. "We say, 'How can I help you? What are you going through? What are your challenges?' And when you create a space like that, it's explosive because then you have a bunch of people serving one another instead of selling each other."

LeBrent said members have passed hundreds of thousands of dollars in business between each other and help scale businesses by over $100,000. Beyond transactional relationships, LeBrent sees B3 fostering genuine friendships and support systems.

"We are adamant about making sure we take care of one another, posting each other on social media, and helping one another. It's really been really powerful," he said.

Vision for the Future

LeBrent has plans to scale the B3 Project's model nationwide, tapping into entrepreneurial ecosystems across the country to help Black businesses grow and thrive. He is particularly passionate about engaging youth to address what's known as the "gray wave", the major demographic shift in population aging, particularly the aging of Baby Boomers.

"The gray wave is the greatest wealth transfer in the history of this country," said LeBrent. "We have all these businesses that people are going to sell, and if we train our young people up, they can be in position to take them."

That's why LeBrent is launching the "I'm a Boss" business camp for ages 14–20, believing that closing the wealth gap begins with early education and entrepreneurship.

"We need to be in charge of our own economy, but more importantly, we need to teach the next generation how to do it," said LeBrent.

By cultivating a culture of mutual support, intentionality, and wellness, the B3 Project is positioning itself as a powerful, safe space force for economic empowerment in the Black community.

"I would've loved it if I had something like this when I was young," said LeBrent. "I've made a lot of mistakes. I'm 54 and I've been in business most of my life. If I had mentorship and real community like this, I would've avoided a lot of those mistakes."

LeBrent speaking at a B3 event.