In 2025, WeLead Inc.'s six programs didn't just celebrate the diaspora — they moved real money through the cities that hosted us, before, during, and after every event.
Beyond the documented dollars WeLead raised, our events generate spending across local economies — hotels, restaurants, marketplace vendors, transport, and local hiring. Here's 2025 at a glance.
2025 was WeLead's deepest funding year on record — and the spending it set in motion supports livelihoods across the events economy.
Every figure is built to be defended to a funder, sponsor, or city partner. We favor transparency and conservatism over maximal numbers.
We segment each event's attendees into overnight visitors and local day-trippers, then estimate spending across five categories — travel & transport, lodging, food & beverage, marketplace/vendor sales, and retail/other — using conservative per-person assumptions that vary by event type. Virtual attendees are assigned no local spend.
WeLead's own program spending — production, venue, local vendors, staff, and security — is counted as $155K injected into local economies. Documented funds mobilized ($68.75K) include the $25K Wazobia and $5K Guinness sponsorships and AU Ball ticket revenue (250 × $155); grants from the Houston Arts Alliance and HEB are confirmed but undisclosed and therefore excluded from the subtotal.
A conservative 1.6× regional multiplier converts direct spending ($982K) into total economic impact ($1.57M), reflecting indirect and induced effects. Jobs supported (~61 FTE-equivalent) combine event-specific hires — production crew, vendors, performers, security, temporary staff — with employment supported by visitor spending at roughly one job per $72K of direct spend.
WeLead is the primary contractor for Moja Fest Birmingham — bringing this same economic-impact model to a municipal partner, with the City of Birmingham as the beneficiary.
Six programs, two metros, 4,550 people, one year — including a 3,000-person festival and a national gala.
$1.5M+ community impact and ~61 jobs supported, with transparent methodology a city can present to stakeholders.
Active grant relationships and live donation infrastructure — ready to receive grants, sponsorships, and gifts today.
Every dollar into WeLead is a dollar that circulates through diaspora communities and the cities that host us. Help us make Moja Fest Birmingham and FY2026 our biggest year yet.