 As we step into the vibrant celebration of International Women's Month, Guilford County MWBE stands tall in honoring the incredible journey of local minority-owned women businesses. Check out this interview of two woman owned enterprises as they share their journey as an entrepreneur. Hopefully, this will inspire you to start your own business or continue your journey as an entrepreneur even when things seem tough.
Tamera Kemp is a Junior at Bennett College from Fayetteville, North Carolina majoring in Biology. Her business is called Pearl's Optimum Skin Care. Pearls Optimum Skincare is a testament to the power of determination and passion. Inspired by her father's entrepreneurial spirit and driven by her own struggles with skin issues, Tamera embarked on a journey to create a line of natural skincare products that promote healthy, radiant skin. She is also an EMT in her spare time, when she is not a full-time student or entrepreneur and a proud dog mom to Roxy! |
|
 |
 |
|
Erica Parker is a native of Greensboro NC. She is a proud Graduate of James B. Dudley High School and The North Carolina Central University.
Erica is the Owner/CEO of AFineLine Striping Company. AFineLine, is a locally owned Pavement Asset Management Company dedicated to implementing forward-thinking solutions that prioritize safety, sustainability, and efficiency. She along with her husband Bo Parker, Chief Operations Officer are proud parents of two daughters; Alayna Parker (A Senior at Georgia Southern) and Alivia Parker (Sophomore at UNC-Wilmington) and a 2-year-old grand dog named Wally.
|
 NC IDEA, in partnership with the North Carolina Black Entrepreneurship Council (NC BEC), is launching the NC BEC ECOSYSTEM grant initiative to support innovative projects benefiting Black entrepreneurship in North Carolina. With over $2 million already awarded, the grant aims to empower Black entrepreneurs and organizations serving the Black community. Priority will be given to Black-led organizations, initiatives supporting Black female founders, and those operating in rural or economically distressed areas. Applicants can request up to $50,000, with grant activities to be completed by June 2025, and the application deadline is April 15th, 2024.
 Triad Local First, a non-profit association, was established with a mission to preserve community-based businesses from displacement by national chains, making their choice of the Nussbaum Center a natural fit, as both organizations share a commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs.
In the short term, Triad Local First aims to expand its membership base, recognizing the amplified impact when small businesses collaborate. Their diverse membership spans service organizations, construction firms, retailers, healthcare providers, and food and beverage establishments. Looking ahead, their overarching objective is to anchor the Triad's economy firmly in local, independent businesses, serving as the bedrock of the region's culture, economy, and community.
Click Image to Register
 Budgeting Strategies for Small Business Owners in 2024
Click Image for Full Access to Guilford County Bid System
MWBE Program Director Shaunne Thomas Obtains CLGPO Certification
Congratulations go out to Shaunne Thomas, MWBE Program Director, who recently earned a Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO) certification. This designation is a mark of professional excellence and achievement that requires the applicant to obtain all of the following:
-
A minimum of three years’ experience as a procurement professional
-
Completion of all core procurement courses offered by the UNC School of Government
-
Successful passage of a four-part CLGPO written examination
-
Obtaining a total of 22 additional certification points through a combination of professional education, higher education degree, and service to the Carolinas Association of Governmental Purchasing (CAGP)
-
Be a CAGP Member in Good Standing
Congratulations, Shaunne, on obtaining a CLGPO certification!
Benefits of HUB Certification
Vendors who acquire HUB Certification increase exposure to business opportunities in state procurement and contracting. HUB-certified firms are listed on the state's Electronic Vendor Portal (EVP), which is used by local and state agencies, governments and institutions and the public to locate historically underutilized businesses for goods, services and construction.
Another advantage of HUB certification is the access to a variety of workshops, training sessions and mentorship programs. Connecting with professionals in the business industry helps firms learn perks of the trade while avoiding some of the issues small businesses often experience.
|
|
