Sheletta Brundidge speaking to attendees at the podium, photo courtesy of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com
This is a critical time in the legislative calendar when decisions are being made about how the billion-dollar state budget will be divided and how money will be appropriated. On February 16, “Black Entrepreneur Day at the Capitol” will once again bring hundreds of Minnesota’s Black small business owners to the Capitol to raise their voices, show their collective political strength, and remind legislators of their constituency.
The event is presented by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, a small business founded by podcast entrepreneur Sheletta Brundidge.
“Every big company and special interest has a lobbyist in the Capitol to make sure they get their fair share,” Brundidge said. “Again this year, Black Entrepreneur Day will turn small business owners into lobbyists so that our needs and issues can be represented by us.”
The February 16 event builds on the success of last year’s event, which brought 400 Black small business owners to the Capitol to request funding for programs that would benefit them and shed light on stubborn historical barriers to their success. Will be inserted.
Brundidge encourages all Minnesota Black small business owners and their allies to participate in this unique program, which will include one-on-one meetings with re-elected leaders, legislators and policy makers.
– Advertisement –
The bridge construction completed through the previous year’s event proved useful. At the end of the session, Governor Tim Walz credited the political impetus of Black Entrepreneurs Day for funding several programs that strengthened and offered funding to minority-owned businesses.
They will also be able to connect and network with the four key local organizations that are sponsoring the event.
“We are well aware that access to resources and funding for business owners is not the same for everyone. The American dream is more available to white Americans, and that needs to change,” said Nancy Lyons, CEO of Clockwork, a Minneapolis-based design and technology consulting company, one of the sponsors of Black Entrepreneurs Day.
“Clockwork is committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs and the work Sheletta is doing brings attention and support to our BIPOC community,” Lyons said.
Comcast, which sponsored the inaugural Black Entrepreneurs Day last February, will sponsor this year’s event again.
– Advertisement –
“Comcast loves supporting the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs who share our commitment to uplifting their local communities and fostering economic growth. We are honored to once again be a part of Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol,” said Kalin Howe, senior vice president, Comcast. “This special day provides an opportunity to listen to our business community and consider how we can better support them to drive future successes.”
Northwestern Mutual and AARP MN have also stepped up as sponsors of Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol.
“We appreciate this opportunity to stand with small business owners in our community and hear firsthand about their setbacks and accomplishments,” said AARP MN State Director Kathy McAleer. “We look forward to working together to reach common shared goals.”
A black entrepreneur will get financial windfall. Each business owner participating will be eligible to win an unconditional gift of $5,000 from Brundidge, which they can use to strengthen their business in any way they can.
“Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol” is scheduled for Feb. 16 in St. Paul. The rally will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Rotunda, with participants meeting elected officials and legislators at noon, followed by a complimentary lunch for all at The Vault. at 2 pm
– Advertisement –
Register to attend at ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.
This information was provided by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.
Support Black Local News
Help amplify black voices by donating to MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues impacting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.
Like this:
Like loading…
Source: spokesman-recorder.com
