Congresswoman Betty McCollum is among the Minnesota officials confirmed to attend Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol on Feb. 3. She’ll be talking to business owners since local DFL House members may still be at a stalemate. It’s up in the air whether any state DFL legislators will be in attendance at the third annual event that’s expected to draw 400 founders from across the state.
“Black Entrepreneurs Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the innovative business owners who are creating jobs in our communities and growing Minnesota’s economy,” said Congresswoman Betty McCollum.
Congresswoman McCollum is one of a few expected members of Minnesota’s Democratic Congressional delegation to step up and travel from Washington, DC to connect with Black business owners at the event.
“It’s a place where Black business owners can network with one another and speak directly to their elected officials about what they need from us to help them grow their businesses and reach their potential. That’s why I’m so excited to attend this year — I look forward to listening to Black business owners and finding avenues to support their work,” McCollum added.
Congresswoman McCollum has held the 4th Congressional District seat since 2000, which includes St. Paul and suburbs in Ramsey and Washington counties.
WCCO host Sheletta Brundidge, a small business owner herself and founder of Black Entrepreneurs Day is grateful that DFL Congressional leaders from Washington will be in attendance. “The fact that Rep. Betty and Rep. Kelly are traveling from Washington to speak at Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol in St. Paul lets you know how important this event is and how much they value our success. Especially with the recent rollback of DEI initiatives that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congressman John Lewis and Dr. Josie Johnson fought so hard for, it’s crucial that we come together to make our voices heard. There is strength in numbers.”
Brundidge, who expects hundreds of attendees at the event, expressed the importance of Black business owners getting to hear what legislators plan to do to ensure their businesses can continue to thrive.
“After George Floyd, a lot of companies across the country made it easier for Black businesses to work with them, helping to get our products on shelves thanks to diversity initiatives; however, now, a lot of those programs are no longer available,” Brundidge added.
Brundidge was afraid she’d have to cancel or postpone her event because most of the attendees are from DFL districts and she didn’t want business owners to close down their shops, come to the Capitol and not have their lawmaker to talk to.
“I was afraid that we wouldn’t have any DFL house members at the event, but now to have some from DC, it really means a lot. I tell you what, God answers prayers.” said Brundidge.
Black Entrepreneurs Day empowers Black-owned businesses with resources, connections and advocacy, including opportunities for grants and direct access to key Minnesota decision-makers across political parties. The event brings community leaders and policymakers together to celebrate and advocate for the success of Black entrepreneurs in Minnesota.
Business owners can learn more about the event and sign up to attend at ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.