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South Bend To Host First Small Business Launch Pad for Black, Women, Minority-Owned Businesses

City of South Bend
/
City of South Bend

South Bend is hosting its first Small Business Launch Pad at the Charles Black Community Center on Saturday. It’s part of a city effort to promote women and minority-owned businesses.

(Read the full release from the city below.)

The City of South Bend’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is hosting its first Small Business Launch Pad event to celebrate the resilience of our community and small businesses during the economic challenges of the last year.

“The Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s ongoing investment Black-, Women-, and minority-owned Businesses will have an impact that lasts long after this event,” said Michael Patton, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “That’s why the title Launch Pad is so appropriate for the work being done!”

The Small Business Launch Pad event will be held at the Charles Black Community center, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 17.

“Looking toward the future, the investments we've made in businesses, especially those owned by Black Women Entrepreneurs, will show the continued commitment of our office to economic inclusion while preparing business owners to capitalize on high traffic locations throughout this summer and for many summers to come," said Antonius Northern, Inclusive Project Manager.

The event will feature:

  • A Vendor Marketplace with 40 local businesses, including food service, fashion, accessories, beauty, wellness and more
  • Music  & Entertainment from The Dream Team Live and more
  • Fun & Games for kids including arts and crafts projects and Bouncy Houses
  • Basketball 3 point shootout, dunk contest, and youth skills training hosted by the local Legendary Era Basketball League
Gemma DiCarlo came to Indiana by way of Athens, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2020 with a degree in Journalism and certificates in New Media and Sustainability. She has radio experience from her time as associate producer of Athens News Matters, the flagship public affairs program at WUGA-FM.