Grand Prairie's entrepreneurs are gearing up for a big day at the city's Small Business Expo, a hub of resources, networking, and opportunities, set to boost the local business scene. Slated for March 21, 2024, at the Grand Prairie Events & Convention Center, the event is chalking up to be a prime spot for business owners to get a leg up on opportunities with municipal and regional organizations. The expo will run starting at 5:30 p.m. located conveniently at 2925 State Highway 161.
Organized by the local Economic Development department, this event is the second of its kind aiming to build bridges between small businesses and big players including the likes of Amazon, as reported by the City of Grand Prairie. Kay Brown-Patrick, the city’s Economic Development Business Manager, told the media, "This gathering offers a fantastic opportunity for businesses to delve into the specifics of conducting business with the City of Grand Prairie and various other regional entities." The expo will lay out a spread of upcoming bid opportunities with the City, but won't be limited to just that.
While the nitty-gritty of business dealings stands at the forefront, the Expo boasts a broad array of informative sessions ranging from funding options to marketing strategies. A significant attraction for attendees is the opportunity to learn about becoming a certified Small/Minority/Woman-owned Business Enterprise with sessions available in English and Spanish, ensuring the inclusivity of the event.
According to a statement obtained by the City of Grand Prairie, Brown-Patrick sees the event as more than just a meet-and-greet; "The goal is for this event to serve as a catalyst in equipping business owners with the essential knowledge, networking opportunities, and resources necessary to propel their businesses to new heights," she said, emphasizing the event's expected impact on the local economy. Alongside Amazon, the list of participants reads like a who's who of regional business development, including SMU Legal Clinic, North Texas Tollway Authority, UT Dallas, Women Business Council, SCORE, and various local bankers ready to engage.
