That is the crucial time on the legislative calendar when decisions are being made about how the multi-billion-dollar state budget can be divided and funds appropriated. On Feb. 16, “Black Entrepreneurs Day on the Capitol” will once more bring lots of of Minnesota’s Black small business owners to the Capitol to lift their voices, flex their collective political muscle, and remind legislators of their constituency.

The event is presented by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, the small business founded by podcast entrepreneur Sheletta Brundidge.

“Every major company and special interest has a lobbyist on the Capitol to be sure that they get their justifiable share,” Brundidge said. “Again this 12 months, Black Entrepreneurs Day will turn small business owners into lobbyists in order that our needs and issues are represented—by us.”

The Feb. 16 event builds on the success of last 12 months’s event that brought 400 Black small business owners to the Capitol to request funding for programs that may profit them and highlight the stubborn historical barriers to their success.

Brundidge encourages all Minnesota Black small business owners and their allies to attend this one-of-a-kind event, which can again include one-on-one meetings with elected leaders, legislators, and policymakers.

The bridge constructing completed through last 12 months’s event proved fruitful. On the session’s end, Gov. Tim Walz credited the political push from Black Entrepreneurs Day with funding several programs that strengthened and offered funding for minority-owned businesses.

They will even have the ability to attach and network with the 4 premiere local organizations which might be sponsoring the event.

“We’re acutely aware that access to resources and funding for business owners shouldn’t be the identical for everybody. The American dream is more available to White Americans, and that needs to vary,” said Nancy Lyons, CEO of Clockwork, a Minneapolis-based design and technology consultancy that’s one among the sponsors of Black Entrepreneurs Day.

“Clockwork is committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs and the work that Sheletta is doing to bring attention and support to our BIPOC community,” added Lyons.

Comcast, which sponsored the inaugural Black Entrepreneurs Day last February, will again sponsor this 12 months’s event.

“Comcast loves supporting the expansion of small businesses and entrepreneurs that share our commitment to uplifting their local communities and driving economic growth. We’re honored to once more be a part of Black Entrepreneurs Day on the Capitol,” said Comcast Senior Vice President Kalyn Hove. “This big day offers the chance to take heed to our business community and align on how we will higher support them to drive future successes.”

Northwestern Mutual and AARP MN have also stepped up as sponsors for Black Entrepreneurs Day on the Capitol.

“We appreciate this chance to face with small business owners in our community and listen to firsthand about their setbacks and accomplishments,” said Cathy McLeer, AARP MN State director. “We’re excited to work together to succeed in common shared goals.”

One Black entrepreneur will receive a financial windfall. Each business owner who attends can be eligible to win a no-strings-attached gift of $5,000 from Brundidge to make use of to strengthen their business in any way they select.

“Black Entrepreneurs Day on the Capitol” in St. Paul is scheduled for Feb 16. The rally within the Rotunda begins at 11:30 a.m. Participants will meet with elected officials and legislators at noon, followed by a complimentary lunch for all in The Vault at 2 p.m.

Register to attend at ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.

This information was provided by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.