CLEVELAND, Miss.— Delta State University’s Women Minority Business Development Center (WMBDC) is set to host its annual Financial & Capital Access for Women of Color Small Business Owners Conference Thursday, Nov. 10.
Hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jacob Conference Center, located in Ewing Hall on Delta State’s campus, the event is open to women minority business owners as well as those who want to start a business.
The free conference will feature business and financial networking opportunities, a guest panel and lunch. In addition, participants will learn about credit, small business finances, procurement opportunities, financial tax filing and more.
Registration for the conference is available through Oct. 28 at www.deltastate.edu/wmbdc.
“This is a great opportunity to network with local financial institutions and other women minority small business owners, learn more about financial opportunities and be inspired by peers who have been successful,” said WMBDC Associate Director Leslie Cartlidge.
Panelists for the “Panel of Stars” session will include:
Pam Chatman (Moderator)
Chatman is Mississippi’s first Black woman news director. She is the owner of Boss Lady Workforce Transportation, Boss Lady Economic Planning and Development, Boss Lady Curvy Shapewear, Boss Lady “First Lady” Footwear, Boss Lady Jewelry and Accessories, PChatman Global TV Network and PChatman Mentoring and Consulting. She has recently been on at least 10 national media outlets for creating A National Call for Action, Vaccination Transportation Initiative and is co-founder of the Mississippi Crisis Foundation.
Latonya Williams Bradley
Bradley is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, minister and a highly-regarded business coach and life influencer. She works extensively across the South with a variety of businesses, including Goshen School of Cosmetology. She has a unique 20-year background in the beauty industry, from her kitchen to now owning three successful cosmetology schools that are accredited and Title IV funded by the Department of Education.
Kiara Chinn
Chinn is the co-owner and Sous Chef of the award-winning Café Dat Taste of New Orleans located in the heart of downtown Greenville, Miss. She has an impressive 15-plus years and dedicated background in food/customer service, banking, financial literacy and the restaurant/hospitality industry. Chinn and her husband, Everett, opened their catering company and small business as a specialty and unique concept in the Mississippi Delta by offering private dining options in which the two chefs freshly prepare and make-to-order your favorite cajun & creole Cuisines.
Tonia Sims
Tonia Sims, an Indianola native, is a well-known professional event planner. She is the owner and operator of TLS Weddings and Special Events, LLC. Her small business receives excellent reviews and feedback, thus allowing her to experience success in planning social and corporate events. She has also expanded her business to include wedding and furniture rentals, and she has three event centers in the Mississippi Delta: Venue on the Bayou in Indianola, The Randolph in Leland, and Bush Gardens in Greenville.
In addition, several local banks and resource partners will be participating in the conference, including: CB&S Bank, Renasant Bank, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Cleveland State Bank. Planters Bank, BankPlus, Southern Bancorp, Renaissance Community Loan Fund, Hope Enterprise Corporation, and the Mississippi Development Authority.
Delta State’s Women Minority Business Development Center provides minority women of color professional business support assistance, financial counseling, mentorship and a host of technical assistance services. To learn more about the center, visit www.deltastate.edu/wmbdc.
For questions or more information, e-mail womenminoritybdc@deltastate.edu or call (662) 846-4908.
