Women’s Business Summit offers strategies for success

A Women’s Business Summit hosted by the CCCC Small Business Center on Tuesday, Jan. 16 was promoted as “a transformative event for aspiring female professionals.” Based on my observations and responses from about 50 attendees, the event lived up to its expectations. The conference was held at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford with financial support from NC IDEA and coordinated by Terri Brown, directed by Small Business Director at CCCC.

For the opening dynamic speaker, Dr. Timogi Jackson, an Empowerment Strategist, the mission for the morning was clear: set the tone on a high note. Dr. Jackson’s keynote message was titled “Run Your Business Like a G.I.R.L.” She broke down the acronym G.I.R.L. to emphasize the essential qualities for entrepreneurial success:

G - Grit, for overcoming challenges;

I - Integrity, for peaceful sleep at night;

R - Resilience, for pushing through tough times; and

L - Launching without expectations of perfection, encouraging progress as you go.

Dr. Timogi Jackson is a native of Brooklyn, NY, but said her father and grandfather had roots in Sanford. She watched her father go from rags to riches and learned a lot about the hard work and discipline required to become successful. The speaker promised to share that story the next time she comes to town.

Acquiring a vast background in corporate, non-profit, and higher education leadership, Dr. Jackson has become the driving force behind Create & Facilitate, a North Carolina HUB Certified Customized Training Solutions Agency, based in Lexington, NC.

Offering programs from rooms in prisons to stages at prestigious universities Dr. Jackson compiled her experiences and knowledge into 12 books to share her strategies with more people. Each attendee at the Women’s Business Summit received a copy of the book, “Your Dream Needs A Team: Self-Made is An Oxymoron.”

EMPOWERMENT, FUNDING

The next speaker was Alexis Taylor, Senior Marketing Consultant for Clicksuasion, based in Pinehurst, who discussed “Women’s Empowerment in Business,” including developing leadership qualities, managing teams more effectively, inspiring confidence in others, making profitable decisions, communicating effectively, learning negotiation strategies, and taking appropriate steps for building a brand for a business.

Taylor officiated a panel discussion about women’s empowerment that featured practical advice and insights from seasoned businesswomen. The four participants were: Wilmarie Boisvert, Director of Operations for Express Employment Professionals, Sanford; Megan Schelman, Accounts Manager for Wambeke and Associates, Cameron: Judy Batista, owner of Laughing Monitos; and Rosalind Cruz, owner of Azor Collective.

After lunch a panel discussion “Funding Your Business Idea and Small Business Business Resources,” was facilitated by Terri Brown featuring experts in financing. They were: Susan Febus, Relationship Manager at Truist; Scott Wolford, Outreach and Marketing Specialist, Small Business Administration; Sharon Walker, Senior Small Business Advisor at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and JaLisha Richmond, Director of Lending and Client Support at Thread Capital.

ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET

The final topic, “The Value of an Entrepreneurial Mindset,” was discussed by Katie Gailes, known as The Entrepreneur Whisperer. During the past 20 years, Gailes has worked with 1,000s of people and created the Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives position and departments at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh. Gailes also co-created the LaunchMyCity entrepreneurial ecosystem building business model that is now being used in North Carolina, nationally, and internationally.

Gailes noted that developing an entrepreneurial mindset prepares everyone for the fork in the road when questions vary, “Do I work for someone else for a career?,” or “Do I create my own business?,” or “Do I take a hybrid approach?”.

What is the definition of mindset? Gailes said that a mindset is “a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways.”

Gailes believes that an entrepreneurial mindset includes the life and leadership skills of the future. Starting Thursday, Feb. 15, Gailes will facilitate the free six-week Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset Program, that continues through March 21, 2024. The first and last classes will be offered at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center and others will be available online.

The program is based on the book, “Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur.” written by Clifton Taulbert and co-authored by Gary Schoeniger. Drawing on the wisdom Taulbert gained from his Uncle Cleve, the book chronicles Taulbert’s journey from his life in the Mississippi Delta at the height of legal segregation to being recognized by Time Magazine as “one of our nation’s most outstanding emerging entrepreneurs.” Schoeniger captures the entrepreneurial life lessons that can empower anyone to succeed.

Registration for the course is available at www.bit.ly/icehouse2024.

CCCC SBC director Terri Brown coordinates numerous free webinars, seminars, workshops, and 1-on-1 counseling and serves Lee, Chatham, and Harnett Counties. Brown pointed out that applications are due Wednesday, Jan. 31 for RISE (Real Investment in Sanford Entrepreneurs) designated for those interested in starting a business in Lee County. She said a two-part workshop, The Art of Entrepreneurship, focused on starting a business and making a profit from their art or creative hobby, will be held Thursdays, Feb. 1 and Feb 8. Register: tinyurl.com/SBC-Entrepreneurship.

For more information about all services view www.leesbc.com. Brown can be reached at 919-718-7558 and tbrown@cccc.edu.