LeBrent Speed Expands Better Black Business Project
The veteran sales professional is growing his networking initiative while releasing a new book on professional recovery.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Sales professional LeBrent Speed, who has spent 30 years in real estate and sales, founded The Better Black Business Project to support Black entrepreneurs. The organization focuses on a service-first networking model and provides entrepreneurship training for youth and justice-impacted individuals.
Why it matters
The Better Black Business Project aims to integrate commerce and community, offering resources to entrepreneurs who face systemic barriers. By emphasizing serving others before selling, the program seeks to build sustainable professional networks.
The Better Black Business Project has grown to include over 100 members, reaching a peak of 150 members. This growth follows the 30-year career of founder LeBrent Speed in sales and real estate.
The players
LeBrent Speed
He is a sales professional and regional director for Business Network International who founded The Better Black Business Project.
The details
The initiative utilizes virtual networking to enter new markets before establishing in-person operations, a strategy currently being leveraged for expansion into cities like Atlanta. LeBrent Speed also released his book, The Transformation Code, on September 11, 2026, to document his own professional and personal recovery.
Timeline
In 2018, LeBrent Speed joined a local chapter of BNI.
On September 11, 2026, LeBrent Speed released his book, The Transformation Code.
Market Landscape
The Better Black Business Project adapts the professional networking framework established by Business Network International to support Black entrepreneurs. This initiative shifts market engagement toward service-based community models rather than traditional lead-generation-only strategies.
Entrepreneurs in Minnesota and beyond can participate in the networking model to build professional connections through service-based outreach. The initiative provides specific resources for youth and justice-impacted individuals seeking entrepreneurship training.
The takeaway
Focusing on service-based networking can help professionals build more resilient and supportive community connections. Professionals looking to expand their reach should consider balancing their growth with documented personal development strategies.
Further reading
Find more updates on local business developments in the Minnesota Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
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Would you prefer joining a networking group focused on shared identity over a traditional business network?
