Building Businesses with Impact: Pitch Competition

In celebration of National Economic Development Week (May 11–17, 2025), the Public Affairs Division is hosting the Building Businesses with Impact Pitch Competition on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This exciting event will highlight local innovation, entrepreneurship, and the impact of our StartUp FTL cohorts as they pitch their business ideas in a dynamic five-minute format. Event Page

Sistrunk Empowerment Summit

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Sistrunk Empowerment Summit (SES) was held at African American Research Library and Cultural Center, where four panels were dedicated to create a comprehensive economic revitalization plan, to strengthen the local workforce, expand access to capital for small businesses, and establish a clear path for sustainable economic growth in the Sistrunk Corridor and nearby neighborhoods. 

The Summit brought together residents, business leaders, and city officials to explore practical solutions for stimulating economic growth, expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs, and providing stronger support for small businesses and job creators in our community.

If you missed the Sistrunk Empowerment Summit—or if you’d like to revisit the conversations and valuable insights that were shared—you can now watch the full event!