From the outset, the Forum has been a gathering place for Black Charlotteans eager to build community and family wealth. Forum presentations mostly focus on government, politics and education. But listen closely to the networking before and after meetings and you will hear stories being passed, ... Continue Reading →
The challenge of overcoming ‘entrepreneurial inequity’
May 10, 2022 People of color with nerve and determination and a desire to create jobs in minority neighborhoods, with a great business idea – but very limited family wealth – more often end up as bankruptcy statistics than as the next Bob Johnson or Jeff Bezos. “Entrepreneurial Inequity in ... Continue Reading →
Update on historic status for John McDonald’s original cafeteria
March 20, 2022 The Charlotte Observer caught up with Beatties Ford Road entrepreneur Christopher Dennis, and longtime area resident Elloree Erwin, and published the piece below about Dennis's efforts to seek historic status designation for the building that restaurateur John McDonald used for the ... Continue Reading →
City reaches out to include minority-owned firms in contracts
Feb. 22, 2022 Three City of Charlotte staff members presented about programs run by the City of Charlotte aimed at increasing participation of minority-owned business in competing for city contracts for business services. Presenting were Holly Eskridge, Charlotte's assistant economic development ... Continue Reading →
Axios publishes guide to Beatties Ford murals
Jan. 19, 2022 Axios Charlotte has published a guide to 23 murals on the Beatties Ford Road corridor. Murals can be ephemeral; go see them soon. The works adorn blank exterior walls, fences, even a shipping container. Ashley Mahoney’s tour begins at I-77 and West Trade and goes to 3801 ... Continue Reading →
Institute programs support minority economic development
Jan. 18, 2022 A Durham-based nonprofit is focused on creating wealth in minority communities through training, seminars, advice – and direct involvement in financing of businesses serving those communities. The National Institute of Minority Economic Development may one day be a household name from ... Continue Reading →
Entrepreneur reflects on what it takes to succeed
Jan. 11, 2022 Committed. Driven. Hungry. Those were among the words Tuesday's presenter used to describe what it takes to succeed in the entrepreneurial space. Rachelle Latimer's last visit to the Forum in 2017 focused on details what makes success difficult for minority contractors. Today's ... Continue Reading →
Urban League adding satellite office, staying focused on economic empowerment
Dec. 7, 2021 Two key leaders at the Urban League of Central Carolinas today described a relatively small staff pushing to prepare Charlotte workers to upgrade their skills or prepare themselves to own their own businesses as a path toward economic stability and life satisfaction. Presenters were ... Continue Reading →
Developer’s story plays out in Beatties Ford Road corridor project
Nov. 9, 2021 In other hands, a rundown strip shopping center might turn into a less rundown strip shopping center. In Chris' Dennis's hands, Chase Bank is a major tenant, a portion of the building has been set aside for a yet-to-be-announced art presence, and the South Carolina native who's been ... Continue Reading →
How to build small businesses? Invest in one
Oct. 5, 2021 Dr. Shanté Williams is gathering her colleagues to move a big mountain. The head of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to reorient the focus of the chamber she heads. Networking and workshops and events are fine, she told the Forum this morning. But ... Continue Reading →
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