{"id":47504,"date":"2023-04-17T07:00:40","date_gmt":"2023-04-17T14:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/us-partner-blog\/?p=47504"},"modified":"2023-04-17T10:54:23","modified_gmt":"2023-04-17T17:54:23","slug":"black-partner-growth-initiative-driving-innovation-and-empowering-partners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/americas-partner-blog\/2023\/04\/17\/black-partner-growth-initiative-driving-innovation-and-empowering-partners\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Partner Growth Initiative: Driving innovation and empowering partners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Authored by Raamel Mitchell, Global Director of Business Development for the Microsoft Black Partner Growth Initiative, with contributions from Regina Johnson, BPGI Global Strategy Director.<\/em><\/p>\n

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When the Black Partner Growth Initiative<\/a> (BPGI) was launched in 2020, the goals were clear. Our team was tasked by Microsoft leadership with creating a focused program within the partner channel that reflected Microsoft’s ambitious mission of empowering every individual and every organization to achieve more<\/em>. And since the launch of BPGI, we\u2019ve concentrated on increasing the representation of Black-owned partners and enabling their growth to build one of the largest diverse partner ecosystems in the technology sector.<\/p>\n

This motion is critical. First, it reflects the core values of our company\u2019s mission and culture. Second, BPGI establishes a platform for seasoned technology leaders, innovative startups, and entrepreneurs alike to create, develop, and grow their business with Microsoft through co-sell go-to-market opportunities and partner-to-partner engagements.<\/p>\n

Driving connection<\/h3>\n

In partnership with the Black Channel Partner Alliance<\/a> (BCPA) and Blacks at Microsoft (BAM), the BPGI team activated a 10-city tour hosting Innovation Forum workshops<\/a> in areas where BPGI partners build solutions and services for their customers and where there was strong local community engagement. This process has allowed us to connect with companies driving cutting-edge solutions across a range of areas, including Artificial Intelligence, Metaverse, Cybersecurity, and Modern Workplace. To date, we\u2019ve visited Dallas, Houston, Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, providing an opportunity for members of the BPGI community to engage in interactive sessions designed to support their growth, development, sales acceleration, and success. \u200b<\/p>\n

During each Forum, we\u2019ve had an opportunity to provide insight on navigating the Microsoft sales landscape; explored solution areas that are of most interest to our customers; and, perhaps most importantly, shared tools, resources, and strategies that will\u2014in the words of BCPA\u2014help BPGI partners \u201cmake money with Microsoft.\u201d\u00a0 We help new and existing BPGI partners connect with other technology leaders, provide guidance on maximizing the program, and identify new areas for driving revenue growth for BPGI partners. The Forums also drive partner-to-partner engagement and innovation.<\/p>\n

Like my colleagues on the BPGI team, I\u2019m excited to work with companies each day that are breaking down physical and virtual barriers, creating technologies impacting organizations across the planet, and redefining the technology industry through creativity, grit, and determination. We celebrate those contributing to society and shaping the world through innovation, transforming the business landscape in every sector.<\/p>\n

What’s next<\/h3>\n

On May 17 we\u2019ll host our inaugural Innovation Summit at the Microsoft Redmond Headquarters. The Innovation Summit will feature executive thought leadership, talks, and workshops from industry leaders and C-level executives within Microsoft. This partner-focused Summit will serve as the graduation of our FY23 Catalyst Accelerator cohort, and attendees will also be able to participate in the inaugural Golf Classic hosted by BCPA. Share this opportunity! We\u2019re also seeking brands, businesses, and teams interested in exhibiting for our BPGI Partners and volunteers who want to donate a helping hand. Please email ptnrsupp@microsoft.com<\/a> for additional details.\u200b<\/p>\n

Partner calls to action<\/h3>\n