City’s Office of Minority Business Development Convenes Empowerment 2016 Forum

The City’s Office of Minority Business Development (MBD) hosted more than 200 program graduates at the Empowerment 2016 forum for small and minority owned businesses at the Carillon at Dogwood Dell on May 12. The event acknowledged the individuals who have completed courses offered through the MBD Technical Assistance Program including - Money Smart, Construction Series, Emerging Small Business 101, Intermediate Small Business 201, and a host of other elective courses over the past year. Many of the program participants completed business plans during the program and are now implementing strategies to meet their goals.

In speaking of the Empowerment 2016 forum, Mayor Dwight C. Jones noted, “We recognize the importance of providing the necessary assistance to help entrepreneurs build better, stronger businesses, as a sturdy, diverse business base of successful small and minority businesses expands economic opportunities for all Richmonders.”

During the event Penny Gregory, Owner of A Penny for Your Thoughts Cleaning Services said, “The programs and services offered through this program and Mayor Jones have been essential for small businesses like mine. The program helped me to write my vision and my business plan. Now, I have an inheritance to pass down to my sons.”

Event speakers included Richmond City Council President Michelle Mosby, Senior Editor and Publisher of Northside Vibes Deone McWilliams, CEO of Rent-A-Wreck, Matthew Allen, and renowned leadership and productivity strategist and CEO of Randolph Unlimited, Wade Randolph who challenged attendees to unleash their power to reach their next levels of success.