Advancing Black-Owned Businesses: Securing Contracts, Financing, and Expanding Growth with FPL

Description

Join us for the Empowering Black-Owned Businesses: Strategies for Contracts, Financing, and Growth event, proudly presented by Florida Power & Light Companys (FPL) Powering Floridas Black-Owned Businesses Educational Programming. This event is designed to empower Black entrepreneurs with knowledge, strategies, and tools to strengthen their businesses and enhance their competitive edge.

This in-person event will bring together Black business owners, industry experts, and corporate leaders for a holistic approach to business growth, covering topics from contract acquisition and financing to modern strategies for sustained success.

Event Program Timeline

🔹 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM | Pre-Event Networking & Hors d'oeuvres/Drinks

• Attendees arrive, check in, and network.
• Open bar with light refreshments and buffet-style hors d’oeuvres.

🔹 4:45 PM - 4:50 PM | Attendees Take Their Seats

• Transition to the main event area.

🔹 4:50 PM - 5:00 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

Speakers:

• 🎤 Joseph Sanches – Master of Ceremonies, Immediate Past President, Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County
• 🎤 Verdell Hawkins – Manager, Economic Development, Florida Power & Light Company

Topics:

• Introduction to event goals and agenda.

🔹 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM | Featured Speaker

🎤 Speaker: Reamonn Soto, Founder & CEO, Sensatek Propulsion Technology, Inc.

• Presentation (10 min) + Q&A (5 min).
• Discussion on entrepreneurial success and securing growth opportunities.

🔹 5:15 PM - 5:35 PM | Panel #1: Pathways to Contracts & Partnerships with FPL

🎤 Speakers:

• Verdell Hawkins – Manager, Economic Development, NextEra Energy, Inc. | Florida Power & Light
• Cassandra Charles-Gerst – Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager, NextEra Energy, Inc. | Florida Power & Light
• Vernique Williams – Inside Accounts Manager MGA, NextEra Energy, Inc. | Florida Power & Light

Topics:
✅ FPL’s contracting process, requirements, and best practices.
✅ How Black-owned businesses can position themselves for corporate partnerships.
🗣 Q&A (5 min).

🔹 5:35 PM - 5:55 PM | Panel #2: Marketing & AI Strategies for Black-Owned Businesses

🎤 Moderator: Jessica Garrett Modkins, Founder, Hip Rock Star Advertising

🎤 Speakers:

• Melanie Roger – President, Zeus Consulting Services
• Tracy M. Thomas – Owner, Stellar Marketing & Business Solutions

Topics:
✅ Digital marketing trends and AI-powered business strategies.
✅ Case studies of Black-owned businesses leveraging AI for success.
🗣 Q&A (5 min).

🔹 5:55 PM - 6:15 PM | Panel #3: Maximizing Financial Opportunities – Securing Capital & Bank Financing

🎤 Moderator: Bruce Lewis, President & CEO, LB Limited & Associates, Inc. & Founder, Equity Entrepreneur Center

🎤 Speakers:

• Thais Sullivan – SVP, National Director of Community Lending, Valley Bank
• Pamela Stewart – President, PBC Black Business Investment Corporation/Pathway Capital Funding
• Freda Lucas – PNC Bank
• Jeffrey Fine – iThink Financial

Topics:
✅ Securing bank loans and alternative funding options.
✅ Overcoming barriers Black-owned businesses face in accessing capital.
🗣 Q&A (5 min).

🔹 6:15 PM - 6:30 PM | Local Resources Speed Dating & Networking Workshop

• Representatives from local business support organizations and financial institutions meet with attendees.
• One-on-one discussions about services, funding opportunities, and strategic resources.

🚀 Reserve Your Spot Today!