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From a vision born in courage to a global initiative touching thousands of lives — this is how the HBCU Entrepreneurship Initiative came to be.
"Empowerment is not given — it is built, one community at a time." — The founding principle of HBCUEI
In 2012, amid a landscape of fragmented community programs and shrinking opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, Dr. Bhuiyan and Shamima Amin asked a question that would change everything: What would happen if we built a movement that addressed the full human experience — not just economics, but health, hope, harmony, and human dignity?
The answer became the 7 H's Movement — a holistic framework for transformation that treats every person as a whole being: body, mind, heart, community, and future. What started as a conversation became a curriculum, a network, a mission, and ultimately an institution: the HBCU Entrepreneurship Initiative (HBCUEI).
HBCU institutions — Historically Black Colleges and Universities — have long been incubators of leadership, culture, and excellence. But for decades, entrepreneurship support at these institutions lagged far behind predominantly white institutions. HBCUEI was founded to close that gap, with a proven framework, a dedicated team, and a commitment that goes beyond a single semester.
Today, HBCUEI partners with over 100 HBCU institutions across the United States, has delivered transformative programming across 70+ countries, and has equipped thousands of students, alumni, and community members with the tools to build lasting, meaningful enterprises.
"We didn't set out to create a program. We set out to rewrite what success looks like for HBCU students and the communities they come from."
— Dr. Bhuiyan, Co-Founder, HBCUEI
Each "H" represents an essential pillar of a life well-lived. Together, they form a complete framework for entrepreneurship rooted in purpose, community, and impact.
Dr. Bhuiyan and Shamima Amin develop the 7 H's framework during a series of community dialogues. The philosophical foundation of HBCUEI is laid in earnest.
HBCUEI formally engages its first cohort of HBCU institutions, delivering pilot entrepreneurship programming to 12 campuses across the southeastern United States.
The 7 H's Movement crosses international borders. Programming reaches participants in 20+ countries, proving the universality of the framework beyond U.S. shores.
HBCUEI launches dedicated community chapters, bringing the 7 H's curriculum directly into neighborhoods, churches, and local organizations.
In response to global challenges, HBCUEI pioneers a fully virtual delivery model — enabling uninterrupted access to programming for students and alumni worldwide.
HBCUEI achieves a landmark milestone: active partnerships with over 100 HBCU institutions. The network spans every region of the United States.
HBCUEI launches an expanded fellows program and deepens global reach to 70+ countries, setting the stage for the movement's next decade of impact.
Two remarkable leaders whose complementary gifts and shared conviction gave birth to a movement that continues to grow.
Co-Founder
A visionary educator, entrepreneur, and community architect, Dr. Bhuiyan built the intellectual scaffolding of the 7 H's Movement. With decades of experience across academia, business, and public policy, he brings a rare ability to translate complex ideas into actionable frameworks that change real lives.
Co-Founder
Shamima Amin is the living embodiment of the movement she co-created. A community builder, speaker, and catalyst for change, she has dedicated her life to uplifting HBCU students and the neighborhoods they call home. Her warmth, precision, and tireless advocacy are the human heartbeat of HBCUEI.
To empower HBCU students, alumni, and communities with entrepreneurial tools, the 7 H's holistic framework, and a global network — so they can build businesses and lives of lasting purpose, dignity, and impact.
A world where every HBCU student has access to world-class entrepreneurship education — and every community they touch is stronger, healthier, and more self-determined because of it.
Whether you're a student, an educator, a business leader, or a community builder — there is a place for you in the 7 H's Movement. The next chapter of HBCUEI is being written right now.