Office of Business Diversity & Compliance Newsletter

Memphis sent this bulletin at 07/08/2019 07:56 AM CDT

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Greetings,

The City of Memphis Business Diversity & Compliance welcomes entrepreneurs of all ages, backgrounds and capacity to the City of Memphis' Entrepreneurs Network Center (ENC) location at 480 Dr. MLK Jr. Ave; Memphis, TN 38126.

I continue to be so excited about the creative workshops we have planned this month for our clients and the community. The walls of the ENC-Entrepreneurs Network Center are bustling with activity. I hope you will take advantage of these free information sessions.

Our annual We Mean Business Symposium that had over 400 creatives, entrepreneurs and community stakeholders in attendance proves that Memphians are interested in investing in themselves by leveraging the resources being made available to you from Mayor Strickland, City Council and the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Memphis.

Entrepreneurship is not an easy journey. Last month I shared that in this continued time of change for Memphis, I'm reminded of a quote by Ambassador Andrew Young who we were honored to host at the Fred L. Davis Innovation Center:

"We think it is complicated to change the world. Change comes little by little. Nothing worthwhile can happen in one generation."
– Ambassador Andrew Young

The resources are at hand. Are you using them to further your business growth?

Mayor Jim Strickland and City Council has made it free and easy to access these resources.

Remember, We Mean Business and we want to do business with you!

#WeMeanBusiness

Sincerely,

Director Joann Massey

2019 We Mean Business Symposium Huge Success

Thursday, June 27th was one for the books. The City of Memphis' annual We Mean Business Symposium drew a crowd of more than 400 businesses to the Memphis Hilton. Standing room only, the morning session proved to be beneficial for businesses looking to connect with city division directors and partners about future opportunities/projects. The morning event included a continental breakfast sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN. The afternoon luncheon, sponsored by FedEx, featured key note speaker John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Operation Hope. Mr. Bryant's powerful message about the "Memo" was one to be heard and an excellent take away. Special guest kid-entrepreneur Kinyah Bean, Founder & President of B. Chill Lemonade joined Mayor Strickland at his table and Chairman Bryant on stage. Songstress, D' Monet grooved the guests with her sultry voice over lunch. Several dedicated public servants were given awards and a standing ovation for their hard work in supporting City government and specifically their division in efforts related to MWBE spend. Wrapping up the symposium, the afternoon session "A Seat At The Table" gave businesses an intimate opportunity to connect with division leaders and partners one on one.

Thank you to of our gracious sponsors: FedEx, BlueCross BlueShield of TN, Nike, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, TCBDC, BBA, MAMCA!!!

Click here to view pictures from this year's We Mean Business Symposium

#WEMEANBUSINESS

(left to right) John Hope Bryant, Director Massey, Mayor Strickland, Eugene Duffy, (seated) Ambassador Andrew Young

Fireside Chat with Ambassador Andrew Young

Mayor Jim Strickland with the City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity and Compliance welcomed former Atlanta Mayor, Ambassador Andrew Young to Memphis for a pre-We Mean Business Symposium event which included a signing of his book "The Making of Modern Atlanta," Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at the City of Memphis Entrepreneurs Network Center. Attendees listened in as Mayor Strickland, Ambassador Young and discussion facilitator, former Chief Administrative Officer for Mayor Young, Eugene Duffy in discussing inclusive strategies for black economic empowerment. The discussion was informative and Shelby County Schools students, Charity & Patrick captured the entire event through Facebook Live thanks to John Best, General Manager for SCS TV & 88.5 radio station.

During the press conference with Mayor Strickland and Ambassador Young before the event began, Ambassador Young noted that Memphis is one of the best positioned cities to see economic prosperity happen. He also stated that public leadership is not easy but it is important to build public private partnerships like he did when he was Atlanta's mayor and like Mayor Strickland is doing here in Memphis

More Pictures? Click Here.

Fred L. Davis Innovation Center Naming Ceremony

Friday, June 14th the City of Memphis and the Office of Business and Diversity and Compliance had the great honor of naming the Innovation Center at our Entrepreneurs Network Center the "Fred L. Davis Innovation Center". Mr. Davis has been a pioneer in the Memphis community for over 50 plus years and continues to be a vocal advocate for the growth of MBEs.

Mayor Stickland presenting a plaque to Mr. Fred Davis and family naming the Innovation Center at the Entrepreneurs Network Center the "Fred L. Davis Innovation Center

Memphis serves as a model to grow minority businesses

Memphis Host City Accelerator Cohort 6 Convening

Mayor Jim Strickland & the City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity and Compliance recently hosted a two and a half day convening of 10 other major US cities that are part of the Living Cities City Accelerator Cohort 6 sponsored by Citi Foundation and facilitated by Griffin & Strong LLC.

“Many cities aspire to spend a greater proportion of their expenditures with small and minority-owned businesses, but the municipal procurement process is often a deterrent to achieving that,” said Ed Skyler, Citi’s Chief Executive Vice President for Global Public Affairs and Chair of the Citi Foundation. “The City Accelerator has already helped cities in all parts of the country identify new ways to enhance transparency, communication and awareness in the procurement process – making it easier for small and minority-owned businesses o participate – and we’re excited to see the new approaches that come from these next 10 participating cities.”

Memphis was part of the five-city cohort on Inclusive Procurement for 18 months starting in 2017. City Accelerator is in Memphis today to launch a new City Accelerator cohort of 10 cities from around the country focused on inclusive procurement.
• Boston
• Cleveland
• El Paso
• Houston
• Kansas City
• Minneapolis
• Nashville
• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• South Bend

This cohort will dedicate 12 months to test the initiatives' recent learnings on Inclusive Procurement. They will receive intensive one-on-one technical assistance from Griffin & Strong, access to peer-learning opportunities and grant dollars to test new ideas on how to remove the barriers that diverse businesses face when doing business with municipal government.

“Our newest cohort members are here to learn from Memphis because the City Accelerator is not about speeding up city processes, it is about accelerating the adoption of proven approaches that local government can take to create inclusive economic opportunities,” said Ben Hecht, CEO of Living Cities.

City Accelerator chose the ‘Home of the Blues’ because the City is willing to change their own systems that will result in increased MWBEs bidding and successfully winning contracts.

“Memphis has assessed their competencies and sought to increase their knowledge and skills to test process changes, one of which led to paying vendors more promptly. Mayor Strickland and staff are taking risks and holding themselves and staff accountable for setting a participation goal and ensuring that enterprises owned by people of color are equitably represented as vendors to City,” said Rodney Strong, CEO of Griffin & Strong, P.C., a policy law firm that works in cities across the nation and the cohort lead for both City Accelerators on Inclusive Procurement.

Learn more here: Click Here

“We work hard every day at City Hall to be innovative, to do things better, and deliver the best possible services to our citizens,” Mayor Jim Strickland said. “Our work with Living Cities is further proof that what we’re doing is working, and I’m excited to work with them to keep improving our processes because that’s what our citizens deserve.”

Roshunda Buchanan awarded the 2019 Women of Influence Award

Contract Compliance Analyst, Roshunda Buchanan was awarded the 2019 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by Dress for Success Memphis in recognition of her perseverance and business creativity.

OBDC welcomes Mr. Baker to the ENC as a summer intern

We are very pleased to announce that Mr. Baker, better known as DJ has joined the OBDC team as an intern and is currently working at The Entrepreneurs Network Center. DJ is a graduate of Central High School and is now approaching his senior year at UT Knoxville majoring in Journalism.

OBDC welcomes Mrs. Johnson to City Hall as a summer intern

We are very pleased to announce that Ms. Valesia Johnson has joined the OBDC team as an intern through July and is currently working out of City Hall. Valesia is a graduate of Overton High School and is now approaching her senior year at University of Memphis majoring in Healthcare Leadership.

OBDC welcomes back Mrs. Reyes!

We are very pleased to welcome back Guadalupe Reyes to OBDC as our Bilingual Business Services Coordinator. She originally started with the OBDC in 2016. Mrs. Reyes will be assisting businesses of all types and backgrounds at The Entrepreneurs Network Center.

You can email her at guadalupe.reyes@memphistn.gov or call the ENC for an appointment at 901-636-9300.

How Healthy Is Your Business?

Join the City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity & Compliance as we host OBDC Business Health Week!

Entrepreneurs wear many hats as business owners, some of which can be overwhelming at times. Business Health Week (BHW) is an effort to help OBDC’s certified small businesses and entrepreneurs gain additional real world knowledge in key areas where they struggle the most. BHW is a response to the feedback of our certified business survey given in January 2019.

BHW will include three workshops (MWF) in the Multi-Purpose Room as well as two smaller entrepreneur network opportunities in the Fred L. Davis Innovation Center that include topic presentations (TuTh). We are also promoting the opening of the Entrepreneur Network Center as well as the one-on-one Business Health Assessments to be offered to all City of Memphis certified businesses and connected entrepreneurs after Business Health Week.

The City of Memphis, Chattanooga State Community College, City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity & Compliance and the Memphis Area Minority Contractors Association present the: TN LIMITED RESIDENTIAL LICENSING CLASS

Upon completion of this course, all students, will possess a general knowledge of construction requirements related to one and two family dwelling units with costs ranging up to $125,000.00. This knowledge will include, but not limited to: construction practices and techniques, materials, methods, codes, applicable regulations relative to zoning, ordinance, safety, and OSHA.

Class Dates:
Friday, August 9th and Saturday, August 10th (8 AM—5 PM)
Friday, August 16th and Saturday, August 17th (8 AM—5 PM)
*Light lunch will be served for all classes.

Location:
Entrepreneur Network Center (ENC), 480 Dr. MLK, Jr Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126

Cost:
$449 ($50 advance payment required to secure class placement)

Requirements*:
• ALL participants must certified and registered with the City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity & Compliance (OBDC) 45 days prior to the start of class or you will NOT be allowed to participate and your money will be refunded (certification to be completed no later than June 25, 2019.)
• Each participant is required to have a 30 minute introductory consultation session with an OBDC Navigator before August 16th.

To enroll, please visit Stephanie Alexander or Katherine Shorter of MAMCA

at the

Entrepreneur Network Center

480 Dr. MLK, Jr. Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126

901-636-9300

For our MWSBE Spotlight this month we want to recognize Daphne McDonald, Founder and CEO of Speaking Life Healthcare. Speaking Life Healthcare is a unique organization that specializes in helping people communicate and live effectively - at every stage of life. They not only provide exceptional occupational, physical, and speech therapists - they mentor, train, and facilitate careers for talented therapy professionals, providing superior job placement services for clinicians and employers alike.

To learn more about Speaking Life Healthcare check out their website:

https://www.speakinglifehealthcare.com/

Thank you Speaking Life Healthcare for your continued efforts to do business in the City of Memphis!!

#WEMEANBUSINESS

SBIR Lunch and Learn

Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Time: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Location: Epicenter
902 Cooper Street
Memphis, TN 38104

Ready to move your research from the lab to the marketplace? Want to learn more about how federal research grants can help you get there?

The Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program is a highly competitive federal program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in research and development that has the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization.

As part of LaunchTN's SBIR Road Tour, we’re hosting in-person lunch and learns with panels of experienced SBIR/STTR winners and grant writers in local markets across Tennessee. Learn from those who have done it successfully.

Questions? Contact allie@launchtn.org.

FREE Lunch & Learn THE HIDDEN RULES OF BUSINESS SUCCESS w/ Lucy Shaw PART 5

Date: Thursday, July 11, 2019

Time: 12:00 am to 2:00 pm

Location: City of Memphis Entrepreneurs Network Center
480 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Memphis, TN 38126

PART 5

CREATING AND MANAGING OUTRAGEOUS SUCCESS!

What if all of the dreams you have for your business came true? How would your life and the lives of those you love change? How would the lives of the people you serve change? How would you contribute to the prosperity of your community? What legacy would you leave behind? How on earth will you create BALANCE in all of these areas of your life?

To dream is one thing. To set intentions around values and integrity can create a whole new set of abundance consequences. Join us for a deeper dive into creating and sustaining a dream that is bigger than YOU!

A little something about Mrs. Shaw...

"Lucy Shaw is a best-selling author, facilitator, national speaker and Chairwoman of the Board of Tri-State Bank of Memphis. Her areas of expertise include leadership, the dynamics of poverty as well as business and personal development. Her experience covers over 30 years of experience as a C-Suite Executive, Banker, Entrepreneur/Consultant and Ministry."

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by signing up here.

"UTILIZING BASIC FINANCIAL INFORMATION" - Business Health Week

Part of Business Health Week (July 15-19, 2019) at the Entrepreneurs Network Center

Date: Monday, July 15, 2019

Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Location: City of Memphis Entrepreneurs Network Center
480 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Memphis, TN 38126

'Utilizing Basic Financial Information" will kick off Business Health Week, a five day seminar series by the Office of Business Diversity and Compliance to help entrepreneurs increase the effectiveness of their business in several key areas.

Description: Accounting is a language, not just a numerical system. Learn how to easily read, understand, and interpret financial statements so you can run your business more effectively and profitably.

Workshop Leader: David Nanney
Owner, David C. Nanney, CPA

Bio: David Nanney has been serving small businesses for over 8 years as a CPA. David also has corporate experience including FedEx, Pfizer and AutoZone.

NOTE: This workshop will be held at the Entrepreneurs Network Center in the Multipurpose Room on the Ground Floor inside the Universal Life Building.

"FIVE TIPS TO SECURE FUNDING FOR YOUR BUSINESS" - Business Health Week

Part of Business Health Week (July 15-19, 2019) at the Entrepreneurs Network Center

Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Location: City of Memphis Entrepreneurs Network Center
480 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Memphis, TN 38126

"Five Tips to Secure Funding for Your Business" is part of Business Health Week, a five day seminar series by the Office of Business Diversity and Compliance to help entrepreneurs increase the effectiveness of their business in several key areas.

Description: Finding the right funding for your business can often be a complicated and confusing process. This presentation will pull back the curtain on what lending institutions look at most closely when it comes to borrowing money.

Workshop Leader: Billy Bernard
Vice President, Community Bank

Bio: Billy Bernard has lived in the Memphis area his entire life. He is the Vice President at Community Bank where he helps small businesses and entrepreneurs obtain financing.

NOTE: This workshop will be held at the Entrepreneurs Network Center in the Fred L. Davis Innovation Center on the First Floor inside the Universal Life Building.

"EFFECTIVE MARKETING FOR ENTREPRENEURS" - FREE LUNCH AND LEARN

Part of Business Health Week (July 15-19, 2019) at the Entrepreneurs Network Center

Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Location: City of Memphis Entrepreneurs Network Center
480 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Memphis, TN 38126

"Effective Marketing for Entrepreneurs" is part of Business Health Week, a five day seminar series by the Office of Business Diversity and Complianceto help entrepreneurs increase the effectiveness of their business in several key areas.

Description: FREE LUNCH AND LEARN - Marketing effectively can bring your business great returns. Learn how to revitalize your marketing plan by reaching your ideal customers, establish stronger connections with decision makers, and get crystal clear on how to serve your target market.

Workshop Leader: Michel Allen
Owner, Allen Projects

Bio: Michel Allen has over 20 years of successful experience in sales management, new business development, marketing and starting new companies. Michel has worked across all platforms including print, digital and event management. In 2010, Michel moved back to her home town of Memphis and has been steadily raising money for local non-profits and helping them raise their visibility.

NOTE: This workshop will be held at the Entrepreneurs Network Center in the Multipurpose Room on the Ground Floor inside the Universal Life Building.

How To Do Business w/ Public Works Facilitated by Director Robert Knecht- Free Lunch and Learn

Date: Wednesday July 17, 2019

Time: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Location: City of Memphis Entrepreneurs Network Center
480 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Memphis, TN 38126

Interested in Doing Business w/the City of Memphis Public Works Division?

This is your opportunity! Come out to hear more about upcoming projects, requirements and meet the staff of Public Works. You will also have a chance to pitch your business directly to the Public Works team.

NOTE: This workshop will be held at the Entrepreneurs Network Center in the Multipurpose Room on the Ground Floor inside the Universal Life Building.

"BUILDING A WINNING BUSINESS BUDGET" - Business Health Week

Part of Business Health Week (July 15-19, 2019) at the Entrepreneurs Network Center

Date: Thursday, July 18, 2019

Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Location: City of Memphis Entrepreneurs Network Center
480 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Memphis, TN 38126

"Building a Winning Business Budget" is part of Business Health Week, a five day seminar series by the Office of Business Diversity and Complianceto help entrepreneurs increase the effectiveness of their business in several key areas.

Description: Zig Ziglar said, "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time." Budgeting is vital to managing financial success. This workshop will highlight the benefits of budgeting, how to stay on track with your business goals, and make better decisions that hit the mark.

Workshop Leader: Adrienne Foster
Owner, Foster Finanical Management

Bio: Adrienne Foster has over 20 years of professional accounting experience. Because of her passion for seeing people realize their dreams, she created Foster Financial Management in 2008 to help small businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals achieve their financial goals through outsourced bookkeeping services, accounting technology training and personal financial counseling.

NOTE: This workshop will be held at the Entrepreneurs Network Center in the Fred L. Davis Innovation Center on the First Floor inside the Universal Life Building.

Technical Grant Writing Workshop

Date: Thursday July 18, 2019

Time: 1 pm to 4 pm

Location: LeMoyne-Owen College
Brownlee Hall Room 31
807 Walker Avenue
Memphis, TN 38126

Seeking a grant? Interested in learning more about basic fundamentals related to grant writing? We can help! The Tennessee Department of Health Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination in partnership with LeMoyne-Owen College is offering this technical grant writing workshop on Thursday, July 19th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Speakers:

Yolanda Dogan, Director, Divine Nine Foundation of Memphis
Amy Collier, Grant Writer, City of Memphis Parks Department
Fayre Crossley, Chief Grants and Compliance Officer, Epicenter Memphis
Cecelia Johnson-Powell, Director, Driving the Dream, United Way of the Midsouth
Peter Hossler, Assistant Professor of Urban Studies, Rhodes College
Carolyn “Blake” Burr, Grant Writer Supervisor, Shelby County Schools

Fee: No Cost

Register Online Here

"TAX SAVING TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS" - FREE LUNCH AND LEARN

Part of Business Health Week (July 15-19, 2019) at the Entrepreneurs Network Center

Date: Friday July 19, 2019

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Location: City of Memphis Entrepreneurs Network Center
480 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Memphis, TN 38126

"Tax Saving Tips for Small Business" is part of Business Health Week, a five day seminar series by the Office of Business Diversity and Compliance to help entrepreneurs increase the effectiveness of their business in several key areas.

Description: FREE LUNCH AND LEARN - Understanding tax laws can be a distinct advantage to a business owner. Learn what’s new from the 2018 Tax and Job Cuts Act and how it can positively impact your 2019 small business profits.

Workshop Leader: Monica Kegler
Owner, Better Days Financial Services

Bio: Monica L. Kegler is the Owner of Better Days Financial Services. With extensive experience in tax preparation, she helps individuals and small business with tax preparation services, financial consultation, bookkeeping, small business startups, notary public services, and nonprofit establishment. In 2017, she was awarded the “Best in Black” Award for “Best Tax Service.” She is a Board Member and Treasurer for A Better Day Corporation.

NOTE: This workshop will be held at the Entrepreneurs Network Center in the Multipurpose Room on the Ground Floor inside the Universal Life Building.

"WHAT TO DO WHEN THE BANK SAYS NO" - FREE LUNCH AND LEARN

Date: Tuesday July 23, 2019

Time: 1:30 am to 1 pm

Location: City of Memphis Entrepreneurs Network Center
480 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Memphis, TN 38126

"What to Do When the Bank Says No"

Description: FREE LUNCH AND LEARN - Getting a No from a lender can be disheartening. But if that no could be turned into a yes? Join Keith Dillihunt from Gordon James Financial Solutions as he shows you how to go from NO to YES quickly in getting funding for your business growth!

Workshop Leader: Keith Dillihunt

President, Gordon James Financial Solutions

Bio: Keith L. Dillihunt is the President of Gordon James Financial Solutions. Keith helps small business owners acquire financing using knowledge he acquired as a SVP and Manager of Business Banking duiring his fifteen years at First Tennessee, AmSouth and First American Bank.

During his tenure with EDGE, Keith created three loan programs and was directly responsible for the PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) prospects.

Keith later jumped into the entrepreneural waters and started Gordon James Financial Solutions. Gordon James assists with SBA Loans, Invoice Financing, Purchase Order Financing, Equipment Loans, Building loans and emergency payroll lending. Gordon James Financial Solutions assists on loans ranging from $5,000 to $150 Million.

NOTE: This workshop will be held at the Entrepreneurs Network Center in the Multipurpose Room on the Ground Floor inside the Universal Life Building.

Interested in getting certified with the City of Memphis? Contact our office at (901) 636-6210 or (901) 526-9300 to meet with one of our Certification Analysts.

Title VI Updates

The Office of Business Diversity & Compliance Director Joann Massey is also designated as the Title VI Coordinator for the City of Memphis. In this role, the Title VI Coordinator has the responsibility for collecting data surveys, evaluations, and other pertinent documentation in accordance with Title VI regulations. Additionally, the Title VI Coordinator represents the City of Memphis during on-site reviews by the respective entities and officers. Information flows from the Title VI Coordinator to the respective entities and officers to ensure accuracy and compliance with program requirements. It is also the responsibility of the Title VI Coordinator to verify and implement the City of Memphis’ Title VI Compliance and Implementation Plan.

What is Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act?

“No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under a program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Click to continue reading.