Over 50 percent of small businesses face immediate or near-term risk of shuttering permanently due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent analysis from the Brookings Institution. Minority-owned businesses are at an even greater risk due to existing long-standing barriers and lack of access to capital. People of color make up 40 percent of the U.S. population, but are only 20 percent of the country’s 5.6 million business owners with employees. In Black communities, Brookings estimates that this can lead to nationwide annual revenue loss as high as $3.9 billion.

The Pivot to Your Purpose Global Supplier Diversity Conference aims to change the data for minority-owned businesses, one founder at a time. The third annual event will be held virtually on Thursday, September 24th, and it will offer strategic programming that teaches founders how to pursue high-value procurement opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and successfully win corporate contracts.

The event brings together thought leaders, buyers, women and underrepresented founders for a day of innovative programming. Top business executives, including Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand, and Zander Lurie, CEO of Survey Monkey will offer insights to increase founders’ chances for success through inspiring keynote addresses. Additional keynote speakers include Theresa Schroeder, VP of Community & Citizenship, Turner Construction, Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr., Owner and CEO of Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Rosilyn Houston, Senior Executive VP &Chief Talent and Culture Executive, BBVA Compass and Kevin Keith, Chief Brand Officer for Orangetheory Fitness.   Breakout speakers for the event include the dynamic leaders highlighted in the graphic below.

The community is asked to consider paying it forward by making an optional donation to the Pitch University scholarship fund that will go to helping underrepresented founders scale their business.  No investment is too small!  Learn more about how to contribute to the Pitch University Scholarship fund at bit.ly/3i8qGLz

We look forward to seeing you on September 24th virtually. Register by clicking the link below and consider an optional Pitch University Scholarship fund donation.

globalsupplierdiversityconference.com (Pivot to Your Purpose Registration)
bit.ly/3i8qGLze (Donation to Pitch University Scholarship Fund)