National Webinars

This webinar includes remarks from Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the Small Business Administration along with members and allies on how digital tools help level the playing field for all entrepreneurs.

Inside this webinar includes tips on the economic opportunity of entrepreneurship alongside stories, case studies, and digital resources focused on women, veterans, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs from TriNet, Principal, Amazon, and more.

00:00 – Opening Remarks by Liz Fairchild, Executive Director, Business Forward

01:31 – Webinar Introduction from from 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Isabella Casillas Guzman

05:59 – TriNet’s Historically Underrepresented Business (HUB) site can assist SMBs in leveling the playing field with Mathew Thomas, Executive Director and Chief of Staff, TriNet & The McCarton Foundation

12:05 – Educating SMBs on how they can benchmark their benefits with Kara Hoogensen, SVP Benefits and Protection, Principal Financial Group, and Peggy Shell, CEO and Founder, Creative Alignments

17:04 – Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator with Andrea Thomas, CEO, Smelly Kids

19:36 – The Importance of Preparation & Contingency Planning for Underrepresented Small Businesses with Rochelle Clarke, Founder & CEO, Continuity Strength / Succession Strength

22:58 – Synergies Work Founder Spotlight & Start-Up Story with Jen Parr, Founder & CEO, DIYvinci

27:09 – Grant writing and access to capital digital resources for underrepresented entrepreneurs with Natalie Poindexter, Owner and Consultant, Authentic Inclusion

31:37 – Final Remarks from Liz Fairchild, Executive Director, Business Forward