February 1st 2025.
The Anchorage, Alaska community is buzzing with excitement as they prepare for their 10th Annual Black Business Expo and Summit on February 1st and 2nd. Led by the dedicated organizer, Jasmin Smith, this year's event is set to be the biggest and most successful yet. The program's main focus is to support and celebrate Black entrepreneurs by highlighting their innovative contributions to the economic growth and development of the community.
Reflecting on the humble beginnings of the Expo, Smith shared, "The first year was quite different. We didn't have any vendors, just a small group of ten entrepreneurs coming together for training in a tiny room. But now, we've grown to over 50 or 60 vendors and have secured the entire Anchorage museum for our event. It's truly a testament to how far we've come in our journey."
As reported by Your Alaska Link, the Expo will feature expert guests and engaging activities that revolve around celebrating Black excellence in the business world. Smith shared, "Our attendees can expect a jam-packed day filled with events and activities. We have some phenomenal panelists lined up who embody Black excellence and will share their entrepreneurial journey. And after the Expo, we'll have performances and a fundraising afterparty with the legendary Talib Kweli."
Smith's ultimate goal for the Expo is to shine a spotlight on the thriving network of Black-owned businesses in Anchorage, Alaska, while also providing a platform for smaller businesses to gain more exposure. The event will allow attendees to promote their businesses, connect with potential customers and build relationships with other businesses in similar positions.
This year's Expo holds a special significance, as it marks a significant expansion from the previous year's event in Anchorage. Smith shared, "There's always a bit of pressure to outdo ourselves and make each year bigger and better. But this year, the intention feels even stronger, given everything happening in the world. We want to celebrate our community, our culture, and do it inclusively."
For Smith, the Expo is more than just an event. It's a way to fulfill her dream of providing a platform for Black entrepreneurs to support each other and thrive. "I wanted to create more opportunities for us to work together. We often celebrate our culture through food and dance, but not enough focus is put on financial literacy, economic empowerment, and building generational wealth."
In conclusion, Smith stated, "We tend to focus on one aspect of our culture and forget about the business and innovative side of it. This Expo is a way to bridge that gap and bring our community together." With high-profile guests and an array of exciting activities, the 10th Annual Black Business Expo and Summit is set to be a truly memorable and impactful event for all involved.
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