On Point with Juandolyn Stokes welcomed Elizabeth Wilson, Executive Director of the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN) to highlight their “Power Hour-Power of Partnerships” engagement, which was held on Monday, June 26, 2023 at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Juandolyn Stokes was the guest speaker.
According to Wilson, GMEN has been around for over 25 years connecting businesses to share resources, best practices, and to help businesses grow and be competitive. Their service to Georgia helps businesses to know what it takes to start and grow businesses to scale.
This” Power Hour” offered resources on hiring, legal support, resources for websites and creating an online presence, and ended with networking opportunities.
GMEN began with about 40-50 businesses and has now grown to 250 partnerships with a focus on bringing people together to connect and grow.
“GMEN began as an informal gathering, but we all felt like we needed to connect to get access to resources, and get funding from Georgia,” said Wilson.
Their charge to business owners and entrepreneurs was growth and sustainability.
“90% of Black businesses have 1 employee and that is the owner,” said Wilson.
“Our guest speaker, Juandolyn Stokes is iconic, an Atlanta landmark, and she knows the power of partnerships,” said Wilson.
“I have been doing this work as a female and I look forward to sharing my story,” said Stokes.