Black in Business Month Panel & Reception

Back to Search

Black in Business Month Panel & Reception

Monday, August 25, 2025 (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM) (EDT)

Description

In celebration of Black Small Business Month, observed every August, the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC), in partnership with the George Washington University and the DC Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking (DISB), invite you to Black in Business: Where Legacy Meets Opportunity—an empowering evening focused on financial education and access to capital.

Black Small Business Month recognizes the vital contributions of Black-owned businesses to our communities, economies, and culture. This event honors that legacy by connecting entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and networks needed to grow and thrive. This event is designed for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs seeking the resources, relationships, and funding strategies needed to launch, grow, and scale. Hear from seasoned Black business owners, financial experts, and local government leaders who are shaping the regions economic future.

Join us for powerful conversations with experienced business owners, financial experts, and government leaders dedicated to strengthening and supporting DC’s Black business ecosystem—locally and globally.

Event Details

Date: Monday, August 25, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Reception to follow from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

Location: GW Elliott School of International Affairs Lindner Family Commons (6th Floor) 1957 E Street NW Washington, DC 20052

Host Venue: George Washington University, in partnership with DISB and the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce

Agenda

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM • Check-In & Registration

4:30 PM – 4:35 PM • Welcome Remarks

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM • Business Owner Panel

Moderator: Bola Audena, Managing Partner, MBA Growth Partners 

Panelists: 

Melvin Hines, Governor, SouthEast Restaurant Group (DCity Smokehouse) & Revive Events & Catering 

Mindelyn Anderson, Founder & CEO, Mirror Group 

Michael Charles, CEO, SolutionsMET 

Stephon Braithwaite-Martin, CEO, Rhetoric Advising & The Connect

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM • Access to Capital Panel

Moderator: Aaron R. Fenwick, DC BizCAP Program Manager, DISB

Panelists:

Shannon Herbert, CEO, Washington Area Community Investment Fund

Adam Lattimore, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Policy, DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development

Jonathan Reyes, Chief Lending Officer, City First Enterprises

Jeffrey Banks, Senior Vice President, Business Development Manager

Shanton Kittler, Senior Vice President, SBA Lending Manager, Main Street Bank

6:45 PM – 7:00 PM • Closing Remarks

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM • Networking Reception hosted by GW Elliot School of International Affairs

Remarks from GW

International Update/Chamber Trade Mission- Andres Hayes, President & CEO Airtifae Group

Images

GW Elliott School of International Affairs Lindner Family Commons (6th Floor)
1957 E Street NW
Washington, 20052 United States

Event Contact
Simone Ellison
Send Email

Monday, August 25, 2025 (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM) (EDT)

Registration Closed