The Grand Rapids Office of Equity and Engagement is partnering with the West Michigan chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (WMNFBPA) for a virtual community conversation regarding the New Community Transformation Fund.
The event will start at 6pm on Monday, March 1 and will be streamed lived on Facebook on both the Office of Equity and Engagement and West Michigan NFBPA pages.
The investment initiative focuses on current and prospective business owners of color and targets industries such as advanced manufacturing, food processing, agribusiness, life sciences, medical devices and information technology businesses.
In a press release, the City of Grand Rapids said the meeting is a way to "build awareness of the new investment fund focusing on current and prospective business owners of color and why such a fund is needed to advance economic equity and have a more inclusive economy."
Skot Welch, the managing partner of the fund, will lead a keynote presentation, sharing details and timelines of the project and how diverse business owners can get access to up to $250,000 in investment funding.
WMNFBPA member and business developer with the City of Grand Rapids, Alvin Hills IV, and Welch will also discuss the fund's importance and take questions from the public.
