It’s the first-ever Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Minnesota Capitol on Friday and the event’s creator is encouraging attendance from small business owners of color and all Minnesotans, with the goal of helping them grow and prosper. More than three hundred black business owners scheduled to meet with lawmakers to share their experiences.
“You know, we have some things that we have to deal with that our white counterparts don’t, like access to capital and funding, and these forgivable loans that we’re just finding out about,” said Sheletta Brundidge, whose podcasting platform SHElettaMakesMeLaugh.com is presenting the event. Brundidge is also a host on WCCO Radio.
Brundidge says for Minnesota's economy to thrive, it has to include everyone including minority owned businesses.
“In order for Minnesota to grow and be successful, these businesses need to succeed,” Brundidge adds.
Because some Black small business owners would lose money by leaving their work to attend the Capitol event, Sheletta has found allies in the business community to offset such losses. Three Black entrepreneurs who attend will receive a $1000 grant. The grant money was donated by event sponsors Hylden Law and Advocacy, Grey Duck Vodka and the St. Paul Saints.
Friday's rally gets underway at 10:30a.m.
Attendees can register at SHElettaMakesMeLaugh.com. Among the business owners, state government leaders, elected State Representatives and State Senators and other dignitaries in attendance at the Capitol Rotunda will be Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.