Dr. Bill Winston Hosts Inspiring Business Leadership Conference with Significant Entrepreneurial Grants

The 2026 Business Leadership Conference

On March 20-21, 2026, Dr. Bill Winston, a prominent pastor and entrepreneur, convened the highly anticipated Business Leadership Conference (BLC) in Chicago. This event brought together over 2,000 participants, both onsite and online, uniting entrepreneurs and business leaders from 14 countries under the theme "The Blessing Anointed for Business." The goal was to empower attendees with invaluable strategies for wealth creation and business development in today's competitive landscape.

Across a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, renowned speakers shared actionable insights and practical tools to help participants carve out their own economic niches. The conference encouraged leaders from various sectors, including government, education, and the arts, to elevate the impact of their work through strategic business practices.

The hybrid format fostered an interactive environment where attendees could network and engage deeply with industry experts. Notable highlights included the Executive Experience and the Apex Business Showcase, which featured numerous exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services. These sessions facilitated direct connections between entrepreneurs and organizations, amplifying opportunities for collaboration and growth.

One of the events that defined the conference was the JBS Global Alumni Day, where over 200 Joseph Business School alumni gathered to celebrate their successes and ongoing contributions to their respective communities. A noteworthy moment was the induction of four alumni into the prestigious Million Heirs Club, each recognized for achieving $1 million in business revenue. This milestone illustrated the growing success and influence of JBS graduates worldwide.

The 2026 Global Entrepreneur Award was another highlight, awarded to the remarkable Joyce Awosika, a 2022 graduate who founded ORIKI Group in Nigeria. This wellness and beauty company operates across Africa and globally and has made significant contributions to job creation and industrial development.

Dr. Deloris Thomas, president of the Joseph Business School, expressed enthusiasm about the conference's impact: "BLC2026 was an inspiring and transformative event, igniting discussions on investment strategies and how to scale businesses for global markets." She emphasized the collaboration among various chambers of commerce aiming to equip 100,000 entrepreneurs to achieve million-dollar revenues, illustrating a collective effort to close the wealth gap.

Another core component of the conference was the Venture Capital Pitch Competition, which showcased ten entrepreneurial entries. The competition awarded a total of $9,000, with Dwight James, founder of Go-Ce, securing the first prize with a $5,000 grant for his groundbreaking business solution. Second and third places went to Dapo Kolawole and Evelyn Davis-Phillips, respectively, further demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit flourishing at BLC.

In total, the conference awarded over $16,500 in prizes to empower innovative entrepreneurs. Such financial support highlights the commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Business Leadership Conference remains a crucial platform for faith-driven entrepreneurs, serving as a vital resource for leadership development and economic empowerment. For more information and highlights from this year's event, visit Business Leadership Conference Website or Joseph Business School Website.

In summary, Dr. Bill Winston's 2026 Business Leadership Conference not only celebrated entrepreneurial achievements but also inspired a future generation of business leaders poised to make significant contributions both locally and globally.