Durham entrepreneurs are in for a treat as the Mayor of the City of Durham, Leonardo Williams, is slated to host a much-anticipated event geared towards supporting local business growth. According to a recent update on the City of Durham’s website, the free event titled "Durham Leveling Up: Scaling Your Business Through Opportunity and Collaboration" is scheduled to occur at the North Carolina Central University’s School of Business, located at 829 E. Lawson St., on Tuesday, October 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Set against the backdrop of a university that has long served as a bedrock for the education of future business leaders, the event explicitly aims to arm businesses at every level of operation with a suite of tools and advice tailored for growth and scalability. A collaboration with the City of Durham Office of Economic and Workforce Development, along with its partners, this initiative represents a firm handshake with the commercial community.
In the words of Mayor Williams, "I am deeply committed to fostering growth and success for all of Durham’s diverse businesses, especially our minority and women-owned enterprises." The mayor also expresses his conviction that such an event is a critical stepping stone for ensuring the prosperity of key businesses in what he affectionately dubs "the Bull City" — a statement obtained by DurhamNC.gov.
The gathering will boast a series of panel discussions and an opportunity to network with other local businesses, as well as exhibitors from resource and financial institutions. In addition, there will be a fireside chat featuring none other than Mayor Williams himself; Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration; and business luminary John Hope Bryant. Grace Dzidzienyo, assistant director of the City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, emphasizes the event's inclusive nature: "This event is designed to support businesses of all sizes," she told DurhamNC.gov.
Although there's no charge to attend, it seems that planners are valuing a headcount ahead of time — anyone interested should make sure they're registered by October 19. For those looking to attend, additional details and registration are available on the City of Durham’s event page.
