Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises program will be hosting an event at the Historic Studio Museum in Harlem. The MWBE program aims to educate and mentor minorities and women by providing entrepreneurship opportunities and financial literacy workshops. From 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., radio personality on the WBLS-FM and Sirius/ XM’s The Heat Déjà vu Parker will be moderating the panel discussion among MWBE stakeholders. Complimentary breakfast will be served. Parker is also the founder of The Flava Unit. The nonprofit organization allows teenagers to complete community service projects.
“HCC’s partnership with Better Local Business Agency and Citi Community Development demonstrates the power of collaboration and highlights our commitment to inclusive economic growth for women and entrepreneurs of color,” said Kelvin Collins, president and CEO of Harlem Commonwealth Council.
Since its establishment in the 1960s, the Harlem Commonwealth Council has had a mission to provide entrepreneurship and educational services in African-Americans communities. The nonprofit organization has expanded its services throughout communities in Upper Manhattan, Washington Heights and the Bronx.
Citi Bank is one of the sponsors of the event. They have founded the Community Development program to mentor nonprofits all over the country about financial aspects. “This innovative MWBE Accelerator will not only connect local MWBEs with new opportunities but also provide a technology solution and training to manage projects,” said Eileen Auld, New York Tristate director for Citi Community Development.
The Better Local Business Agency aims to empower and mentor small local businesses. The BLBA uses integrated technology to connect businesses to project management services, customer services management, procurement services, technology services, document management services, accounting and tax services. “Our partnership with HCC, I believe, will result in better performing MWBEs that are participating effectively, winning more contract awards and performing better on service delivery,” said Mark Hayles, managing director of the Better Local Business Agency.
For more information, go to www.harlemcommonwealth.org.