State of North Carolina Joins ResilNC to Host Virtual Forum To Support Historically Underutilized Businesses Post-Pandemic | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, NC — On June 25, the NC Department of Administration's (DOA) Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses in collaboration with ResilNC will offer an informational forum to aid North Carolina's minority-owned businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual event titled, "Black Business Forum: Scaling North Carolina's Underestimated Entrepreneurs Post-COVID" will provide resources to aid North Carolina's diverse businesses in economic recovery. Among the list of guest presenters include Governor Roy Cooper, NC DOA Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell, NC Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, and other prominent state and local leaders in business, finance and general advisory services.

    "As we emerge from this pandemic, we need to ensure a shared recovery for all North Carolinians," said Gov. Cooper. "Data show that black-owned businesses were especially hard hit and it's critical we provide the tools and support for these businesses to grow and thrive."

    The state recognizes minority-owned businesses as key drivers of economic success, bringing diverse entrepreneurship and innovative solutions to promote economic growth and stability. The survival of businesses post-pandemic is critical to a thriving economy in North Carolina.

    "As we address the plight of black-owned businesses, we do so with an understanding that these main street businesses are seeking innovative and creative strategies for the future," said DOA Secretary Cashwell. "The Black Business Form is a wonderful opportunity to create synergies for future business growth."

    From 8 am to 1 pm, the forum will address topics ranging from how to gain access to capital, to forming partnerships with the state and corporate supply chains to strategies for moving forward and rebuilding post-pandemic. Registration is free and open to the public.

    "According to a report by the U.S. House Small Business Committee, black-owned businesses have decreased by 41% due to the pandemic and are experiencing a great challenge to survive," said Tammie Hall, Director of the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (NC HUB Office). "The Forum will provide a road map and perspective of reality facing black-owned businesses and how state government can help to provide a path forward to recovery."

    The NC HUB Office, located in DOA, promotes economic opportunities for historically underutilized businesses in state government contracting and procurement to help foster their growth and profitability. Its partner, ResilNC, is a small business data and investment collaborative established to understand the capital and development needs of diverse businesses.

• NCDOA Communications
• Department of Administration
• 116 W. Jones Street
• Raleigh, North Carolina 27603