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Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium

Learn about business and investment opportunities

As a part of the Africana Arts & Humanities Festival, the Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium offers a chance for entrepreneurs and investors to learn about the opportunities in the community.

Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium 
Friday, March 22, 2024 
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Urban League of Broward County, 560 NW 27th Avenue 

 
 
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM - Opportunity Tour 
Designed to highlight investment and partnership opportunities, join the City of Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency for a tour showcasing new housing and commercial developments along the historic Sistrunk Corridor and surrounding areas.  Learn all about projects under construction and in the pipeline. This is a chance to network and learn about potential community development partnership opportunities and business incentives. Space is limited. Park and board the bus at the Urban League. To register, email Jadderley@fortlauderdale.gov. (This tour will also be offered on Thursday, March 21st, at 10:00 AM.)
 
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Pathways to Capital Readiness, Procurement & Funding Opportunities 
Whether you have an idea to start a business or have an established business, you’ll want to explore Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) programming, procurement opportunities, events like the Broward & Beyond Business Conference (BBBC2024), and upcoming Micro-Grant Pilot and Mobilization Loan programs. Check out the federal procurement opportunities highlighted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Learn from the Urban League of Broward County (ULBC) about how to start a business, create a business plan, become capital ready, enhance your financial literacy, and gain access to capital, and more. 
Moderator: Courtnee Biscardi, ULBC Executive Vice President 
Mark Cassidy, AICP, OESBD Program/Project Coordinator, Senior 
Ronald Bruner, SBA Business Opportunity Specialist 

Moderator: Courtnee Biscardi, ULBC Executive Vice President	Mark Cassidy, AICP, OESBD Program/Project Coordinator, Senior

 
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Legacy Redevelopment and Small Developers Real Estate Investments 
A panel of experts will discuss the benefits of retaining and investing in family-owned property, and your neighborhood’s available property. Learn how legacy investment property and small development real estate investments can create generational wealth for your family and protect the community. 
Moderator: Sheryl Dickey, President & CEO of Dickey Consulting 
Panelists: Bryan Cunningham, Grow America 
Clarence Woods, City of Fort Lauderdale CRA Manager

Althea A. Harris, U.S, Small Business Administration South Florida Deputy District Director
Dennis Wright, Wright Dynasty, LLC

Moderator: Sheryl Dickey, President & CEO, Dickey Consulting		Bryan Cunningham, Grow America		Clarence Woods, City of Fort Lauderdale CRA Manager

12:15PM - 1:15PM - Crossover Opportunities in Film  
The film industry requires an endless variety of skills and services to make a production possible. Small business owners will want to step into the spotlight of success by learning how to repurpose existing skillsets and tap into creative production industry opportunities. With panelists from Film Lauderdale (the Broward County Film Commission), attendees will also gain invaluable insights to access the numerous initiatives aimed at creating economic growth, high wage jobs, and new opportunities for small businesses. 
Sandy Lighterman, Broward County Film Commissioner 
Christy Andreoni, Film Lauderdale Assistant Manager 

Sandy Lighterman, Broward County Film Commissioner	Christy Andreoni,  Film Lauderdale Assistant Manager

 
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Rooted in History & Talent: Small Business Success Stories 
There is much to appreciate and learn about the journey from ideation to successful execution from those who have walked the pathway of business entrepreneurship. Get inspired by business owners who have overcome the challenges of starting and growing a business while cultivating a niche for their goods and services. Access key secrets shared by business owners about tough lessons learned, the benefits of certification, and additional wise tips that can propel your business onward and upward. 
Moderator: Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin, Esq., Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce 
Sharon Allen, Blue Tree Café 
Darius Daughtry, Art Prevails Project 
Lawanda Henderson, Taylor Tots Preschool  
 

Moderator: Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin, Esq., Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce		Sharon Allen, Blue Tree Café		Darius Daughtry, Art Prevails Project		Lawanda Henderson, Taylor Tots Preschool
Dawn Watts, CEO DW Consultants Inc		Kaola King, Owner King Intelligence and Security Services, Inc.		Dudly Etienne-Harvard, President/ Owner Dudly’s Professional Services. LLC

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM - Get Certified to Do Business with Broward County 
Did you know small businesses that are certified with Broward County have access to billions in procurement opportunities? Businesses must be registered to bid on Broward County procurement contracts. Learn more from Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) about available procurement systems and opportunities available with BPRO, the new Broward County Procurement system; MAP Broward (Mobility Advancement Program); the South Florida Anchor Alliance Regional Marketplace featuring other key community partners; plus discover a broad range of services offered by the Urban League of Broward County (ULBC) during this moderated discussion.
Moderator: J.R. McFarling, ULBC Small Business Development Officer  
Sandy-Michael E. McDonald, OESBD Director 

Moderator: J.R. McFarling,  ULBC Small Business Development Officer	Sandy- Michael E. McDonald,  OESBD Director

For a complete schedule of events for the 2024 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival, click here.