Hello Ecosystem,

October was a whirlwind month filled with invaluable connections and insights that set us up beautifully for 2025! Here’s a quick recap of our recent activities and a look ahead at our big plans:

1. Durham MED WEEK: We engaged with many department heads and connected with MWBE companies, fueling new ideas and partnerships.

2. Mayor's Town Hall with SBA: At this event, we learned about new efforts supporting Divine 9 businesses. Chisa proudly represented Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., gathering all Divine 9 businesses in the room for an empowering group photo.

This event was truly inspiring and offered an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Mayor Leonardo Williams’ commitment to small business growth. Beyond his role as Mayor, he and his wife own three local restaurants, embodying his dedication to our community. Our guest speaker and moderator John Hope Bryant from Operation Hope echoed a powerful message—that the mayor’s mission requires a collective effort. This resonated deeply with us at Give It to The People, sparking a renewed commitment to work alongside City and County Government to foster a more vibrant business ecosystem.

This aligns seamlessly with our upcoming Give It Get It Membership, where collaboration and community-building are at the forefront. The necessity of coming together, especially after this election cycle, couldn’t be more urgent. We’re excited to strengthen partnerships and work closely with fellow leaders to create lasting impact for our businesses and our region.

3. State MED WEEK: Discussions focused on efforts to revitalize Western NC, and we gained insights into statewide initiatives for economic growth. We will also be working with the State NC DOA HUB office to facilitate a webinar series on AI and how it can be used for your business. Details are forthcoming.

4. Homecoming Weekend in November: We celebrated our 20th anniversary as a couple and 25 years of Sigma Gamma Rho’s Omicron Upsilon Chapter at Elon, founded by Chisa and her line, "Blue Mystique." It was a powerful weekend of legacy and love!

5. The Unconference in Raleigh: We connected with nonprofit leaders and dove into impactful conversations on nonprofit strategy, setting up valuable networks for future collaborations. Sometimes its good to hear what others are going through and offer advice. In exchange, it was great for the women that were in my group to share ideas and provide guidance into the Raleigh ecosystem. I can’t wait to tell you what developed from this event.

Now, as we dive into fall, we’re preparing for two upcoming events:

- MWBE Coordinators Conference in Greensboro.

- NC Idea Ecosystem Summit in Concord.

Get Ready for 2025!

We have a full lineup of empowering events to support you on your journey:

- Startup Business Summit – January 10, 2025

Begin your business journey on the right foot with the people who know how to help you stay focused and avoid all the startup mistakes. Discover key strategies, resources, and connections essential for launching and growing your venture. Join us for expert-led sessions hosted by Cherith Roberson of Flourish & Growth, Chisa Pennix-Brown of Give It To The People and our network of statewide colleagues that will set your startup on the right track.

- Synergy Retreat – January 18-19, 2025

This transformative event is hosted by the Bertie Business Network and is designed to elevate your professional journey by fostering meaningful connections, promoting collaborative endeavors, and cultivating a pathway to unparalleled success. Chisa will close the weekend with the Success Cultivating Brunch.

- CapacityCon – January 30, 2025

Elevate your entrepreneurial support organization's impact at CapacityCon by avoiding repetition, duplication, and overlapping events. CapacityCon is here to foster real collaboration that does more than check a box and helps you to work with new partners, aligning goals, metrics, and marketing that resonates with entrepreneurs looking for your services. Engage in dynamic sessions on NCEEM, marketing, funding, and team wellness, designed to equip business growth organizations with actionable strategies for sustainable growth and success.

Download our Letter to Send to Your Company About Why You Should Attend CapacityCon.