The Truth Staff
The Black Wall Street Community Development, a collaborative effort formed by The Juice 107.3 radio, The Truth newspaper and Stalwart Magazine, hosted a networking event for Black-owned businesses on Wednesday, March 12, at the University of Toledo’s Business Incubator. More than 50 Black-owned businesses were represented during the session.
Three of the business owners present were Rob Pasker, Blair Johnson and Darnell Smith, also recently announced, first-time candidates for Toledo City Council (Smith’s petition was later denied due to errors on the form).
The event was opened by Toni Battle-Gaines of The Juice, who explained to those gathered the point of the BWSCD and why the group had gathered at the UToledo Business Incubator.
The BWSCD began in August of 2023 and since then has held networking events about every two months along with organizing speed funding events for participants as well as instructional sessions on managing businesses.
Last week’s attendees represented dozens of different types of businesses – auto dealers and detailers, digital creators, photographers, hair and beauty salons, government contractors, event planners, caterers, to name a few.
All of the attendees were able to introduce themselves and their business ventures to the rest of the gathering.
The final introduction was that of Pam Moore with the University of Toledo Business Incubator.
The incubator works to encourage economic development in the northwest Ohio region by providing access to capital, business resources and networking opportunities. One goal is to enhance collaboration and partnerships. The staff provide assistance in taking business ventures from concept to commercialization.
The next BWSCD networking event will take place in May.
