The Business Alliance for People of Color (BAPOC) is excited to hold its first state-wide “Shades of Progress” conference on Wednesday, May 22 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. The event’s focus will be on elevating and bringing attention to the specific needs of entrepreneurs and businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

The conference will continue to create community by welcoming BAPOC members, supporting organizations, and mainstream businesses and financial institutions such as sponsors Bangor Savings Bank, Enterprise Bank, Bank of New Hampshire, and many more. Technical support organizations and partners such as the Small Business Development Center, Center for Women and Enterprise, Regional Economic Development Center, Business Finance Authority, and Community Development Finance Authority will also join the conference.

Since 2021 BAPOC has been the only nonprofit in New Hampshire focused exclusively on growing and supporting the ecosystem of BIPOC businesses and entrepreneurs in the Granite State. Growing this ecosystem will be critically important for New Hampshire’s economic future for the following reasons:

●      This will be a growing sector within NH’s overall business growth.

●      The growth of BIPOC businesses will increase wealth and prosperity in NH BIPOC communities.

●      Growth of BIPOC businesses will grow BIPOC communities. By attracting workforce and entrepreneurs from out-of-state, this will help all NH businesses struggling with workforce.

●      A more diverse NH will be better for everyone’s bottom-line.

Come to learn, share, network with NH BIPOC businesses and entrepreneurs.

●      Speakers will provide information on how the support ecosystem for BIPOC entrepreneurs and businesses has evolved post-pandemic and how it will continue to evolve.

●      BIPOC business owner panelists will share their experiences and secrets to building their businesses in NH.

●      Breakout sessions will be offered for the following topics:

o   Building Resilience in Business

o   Tools for Success: Jumpstart a Small BIPOC Business

o   Shades of Progress: Financial Institutions Inclusion of Small BIPOC Businesses

o   Tech Empowerment: Navigating Emerging Technologies for Small BIPOC Businesses

o   And more…

●      Featured attraction - The “Marketplace” will highlight successful NH BIPOC businesses and their products.

●      Speakers and panelists will include NH BIPOC business owners, state leaders, financial institution leaders, technical organization leaders, and BIPOC community leaders such as:

o   Anthony Poore, NH Center for Justice and Equity – Keynote

o   Commissioner Taylor Caswell

o   Flo Nicolas, DEI Directive

o   Lionel Loveless, Officially Knotted Bowties

o   Dwight Davis, Senior Helpers

o   Jennice Chewlin, Chewlin Group

o   Lisa Carter, Drinkwater Marketing

o   Nicole Sublette, Therapists of Color New England

o   Stacy Woodley-Khan, F8tail Fitness

o   And many more

Join us on May 22 by registering at News & Events - BAPOC-NH - Business Alliance for People of Color (bapocnh.org) or at Shades of Progress: A Business Alliance for People of Color Conference Tickets, Wed, May 22, 2024 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite for what promises to be a different type of conference where you will learn about the changing New Hampshire and how we will prosper together in an evolving business and economic environment that must include and support BIPOC entrepreneurs and small business owners. 
 

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DISCLAIMER: The above content wasn't created by, but is being shared by the Chamber Collaborative on behalf of a member.