Title
Working Session: Small & Minority Businesses
Body
Time: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
This panel discussion offers an opportunity for Council and staff to engage with experts specializing in MWSBE initiatives across diverse sectors. Panelists will share insights and experiences from their work on large infrastructure projects, small-scale community endeavors, and other relevant initiatives that could inform Council's decision-making. Representing or having supported cities in advancing MWSBE efforts, these experts will provide perspectives on best practices, challenges, and successes to help shape Charlotte's MWSBE strategic plan.
Goals:
§ Learn about the general landscape and challenges facing leaders focused on meeting MWSBE goals.
§ Share areas of opportunity based on previous experiences.
§ Understand how other cities are focusing their MWSBE practices.
§ Talk about the future of MWSBEs in the Public Sector to include the impact of Federal funding or legislative changes at the federal and state levels.
§ Share any legal and equitable considerations with regards to MWSBE.
§ Share creative and innovative MWSBE practices in growing and resilient communities.
§ Capacity building, scaling-up, and resource allocation for MWSBEs.
§ Council provides staff with feedback and insights.
Panelists:
§ Eulois Cleckley, Chief Executive Officer, Friends of the Underline
§ Franklin Lee, Tydings & Rosenberg/Formerly Chief Council for Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense & Education Fund
§ Marcus Kirkman, Business Inclusion Manager, City of Asheville