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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has pushed back against criticism from the founders of Earn Your Leisure and its flagship event, Invest Fest, defending the city’s support for Black-owned businesses while highlighting a new $50,000 investment in youth creative programs.
Invest Fest, the popular three-day financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and pop-culture conference organized by the Earn Your Leisure (EYL) platform, is scheduled to return to Atlanta for a sixth year from August 7-9, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event typically draws tens of thousands of attendees (around 20,000–25,000 per day in recent years) for panels, networking, a large vendor marketplace, performances, and discussions on investing, real estate, crypto, AI, and business growth. It has become a major draw for Black entrepreneurs and professionals.
The friction arose after EYL co-founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings appeared on the nationally syndicated Breakfast Club radio show. They described Atlanta as the event’s home for the past six years but said they had “flirted with the idea” of relocating due to what they called a puzzling lack of support from the city.
Bilal stated, “Atlanta’s done nothing for us,” arguing that the organizers sought practical help with marketing, hotel accommodations, public safety coordination, event logistics, and other resources often extended to larger or more established organizations—not handouts. He noted that Black entrepreneurs sometimes face higher expectations to succeed independently.
Mayor Dickens responded during a celebration of the city’s third annual Ciara Day. Without naming EYL or Invest Fest directly, he referenced comments “on the radio in New York” about support for Atlanta. He pointed to the event venue (managed by a Black woman) and announced a joint $50,000 investment with Grammy-winning singer, entrepreneur, and Atlanta native Ciara.
The funds support 10 organizations that mentor young people in music, film, fashion, technology, sports, dance, education, and leadership, providing scholarships, equipment, training, and other resources. Dickens also highlighted the city’s broader record of supporting Black leadership and businesses, describing Atlanta as “substantial,” “important,” and “consequential.”
Ciara reinforced the city’s role in her own career, saying Atlanta “played such an important role in shaping who I am both as an artist and as a person” and that its entertainment community gave her opportunities to dream big.
The Breakfast Club hosts later reacted critically to Dickens’ comments. Charlamagne Tha God noted the show’s wide reach (including Atlanta listeners), while co-host Loren LoRosa expressed surprise, saying conversations between EYL and the mayor’s office had seemed positive. DJ Envy called the mayor’s approach “whack,” arguing that the organizers bring significant value through large-scale community events and were simply seeking comparable partnership support to what other corporations receive.
City officials have noted Atlanta’s long track record as a top destination for conventions, tourism, and supporting organizations. Invest Fest has previously received visible city involvement, including joint announcements with Dickens at City Hall in earlier years. As of late July 2026, the event remains scheduled for Atlanta this year, though its long-term location is uncertain pending further discussions. Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson has also publicly signaled interest in leveraging state resources to help keep the event in Georgia.
The episode underscores ongoing conversations about how cities partner with large-scale, community-driven events—particularly those focused on financial empowerment and Black entrepreneurship—amid Atlanta’s efforts to support local businesses and creative talent.
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In a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, the founders of Earn Your Leisure (EYL)—Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings—stirred controversy by highlighting what they described as insufficient support from the City of Atlanta for their flagship event, Invest Fest. The financial literacy and entrepreneurship festival has called Atlanta home for six years, drawing thousands of attendees annually to the Georgia World Congress Center.
During the interview, the duo noted that despite the event’s growth into one of the country’s largest financial literacy gatherings, they have received “minimal” backing from city officials and major corporate sponsors. They emphasized their grassroots approach, self-funding much of the operation—which reportedly costs around $4 million—while relying on partners in the business world.
City of Atlanta Official Responds To Earn Your Leisure Comments
“We flirted with the idea [of moving it] just because… the lack of support that we’ve gotten from the city of Atlanta has been something that has been puzzling,” one of the hosts shared, underscoring their commitment to Atlanta despite the challenges.
Invest Fest 2026 is scheduled for August 7–9 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, featuring speakers, networking, performances, and vendor opportunities focused on investing, business, and wealth-building.
Pushback from City Officials and Residents
The comments quickly sparked a heated online debate, with some Atlanta residents and officials pushing back against the characterization. Critics argued that the city provides resources for businesses and events, and questioned whether Invest Fest has fully leveraged available support. Social media reactions ranged from defense of the city’s business climate to accusations that the remarks felt like a slight against Atlanta.
This response contrasts with prior public endorsements. In previous years, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has spoken positively about the event, highlighting financial literacy’s role in economic success and noting Atlanta as a hub “to secure the bag.” Press conferences and announcements have featured city involvement in promoting past iterations.
EYL has consistently touted Invest Fest’s independent success and economic impact. One post noted it has already generated a $100 million economic boost for the city.
Context and Broader Implications
Invest Fest blends financial education with pop culture, entertainment, and networking, attracting high-profile speakers like Steve Harvey, 50 Cent (in past lineups), and business leaders. It has grown significantly since its early days, drawing tens of thousands despite occasional attendee criticisms about logistics in prior years.
The current controversy underscores ongoing tensions in how cities support large-scale cultural and educational events, particularly those targeting Black entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. While EYL positions itself as a self-made success story, detractors point to Atlanta’s established resources for business development.
As Invest Fest 2026 approaches, the conversation has amplified visibility for the event. Tickets and vendor spots remain available via investfest.com. Whether this exchange leads to stronger city partnerships or fuels further debate remains to be seen, but it has undeniably put a spotlight on the intersection of private event production, municipal support, and community expectations in one of America’s premier Black economic hubs.
The story continues to evolve, with Atlanta’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene providing fertile ground for such discussions.
