By Dr. Ghislaine Lewis ~ Critograph Faculty Advisor
Black History Month celebrations at the University of Lynchburg will conclude on February 28 with the second staging of the Minority Business Expo, co-sponsored by the African American Affinity Group and Lynchburg Economic Development Authority.
Students interacting with vendors at the 2024 Minority Business Expo. Photo by Jonna Suarez.
The university’s Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Robert Canida, said, “As we know, the University of Lynchburg is Lynchburg City’s university. Therefore, the African American Affinity Group wanted to ensure that the local minority-owned businesses felt valued, seen, and heard. Therefore, this expo allows these business owners to be visible to a more diverse clientele.”
Vendors at the 2024 Minority Business Expo in the Hall Campus Ballroom. Photo by Jonna Suarez.
Canida said approximately 20 minority-owned businesses participated in the inaugural Minority Business Expo in 2024. The event was well-received by the University community, including students, faculty, staff, and residents.
“Success for us is two-fold: when our students engage with local businesses, it opens up career and networking opportunities, and when business owners connect with participants, partnerships are formed. Our ultimate goal is to continue building communities through partnerships,” said Canida.
Teresa Harris, owner of Smoognicks Designer Greeting Cards, who participated in the 2024 Expo and will participate again this year, said, “I am interested in participating in the expo because it’s an opportunity to market my cards to a diverse customer base. It’s also an opportunity to meet other Black entrepreneurs.”
For Harris, “Success looks like selling at least 50% of the cards I bring to the event, learning more about customer needs, establishing a list of new customers, and networking with other minority businesses. I may be able to pool resources and establish collaboration with other businesses.”
Students and UofL staff at the 2024 Minority Business Expo, including University President Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar, Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Robert Canida, and the African American Affinity Group co-chair, Mrs. Tracy Mccray, Photo by Jonna Suarez.
Local minority-owned businesses can register for the upcoming expo through the African American Affinity Group. For more information, email aaag@lynchburg.edu or call 434.544.8540.
