Courtesy of Southern University
the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans hosted the Business at the Bayou event. This event brought together nonprofit, corporate, and local businesses to showcase their products and services to students, alumni, and visitors. The event allowed small black-owned businesses to present their products and network with potential customers by telling them their stories and connecting with their products.
Over 100 vendors participated in the expo, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small black-owned businesses, all selling their products on Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The Louisiana Chamber of Congress Foundation, representing 10 chambers across the state, organized the event to specifically target and empower black businesses.
The expo was not just about selling products. Throughout the day, there were over ten panel discussions that included remarkable speakers such as SU Alum and SBA Regional Administrator Ted James, Kim Hunter Reed, SU Alum and Commissioner of Higher Education, and Grambling Alum David Aubrey, the President of AT&T Louisiana. The discussions centered around critical topics such as scholarships, business development, and networking opportunities.
The Chief Development Officer of the Louisiana Chamber of Congress Foundation, Myra Richardson, was thrilled about the turnout and expressed her gratitude towards those who came to support the event. She said, “We are here celebrating the 50th anniversary at the Bayou Classic with the Louisiana Chamber of Congress Foundation. This event is an excellent opportunity for students, alumni, and friends to shop black and support our own. We hope to encourage people to not just shop with alumni, not just shop small, but to shop black and know that we deserve those dollars as well.”
The Business at the Bayou event was indeed a huge success, providing an excellent platform for black-owned businesses to showcase their products and services while fostering entrepreneurship and networking opportunities. The event was not just about buying and selling products but also about creating meaningful connections. Small business owners had the opportunity to network with potential customers, partners, and investors.
The event was also significant for the HBCU black community. It provided an opportunity for the community to learn about the contributions of black-owned businesses to the local economy and society. It also highlighted the need to support black-owned businesses, not just on Black Friday but throughout the year.
The Business at the Bayou event was a collaborative effort that brought together different stakeholders, including businesses, universities, and Fortune 500 companies. The event demonstrated the power of collaboration and how it can be used to create opportunities for underrepresented groups.
The Business at the Bayou event was a significant milestone for the Louisiana Chamber of Congress Foundation. The event provided a platform for black-owned businesses to showcase their products and services, foster entrepreneurship, and create networking opportunities. The event was a testament to the power of collaboration and how it can be used to create opportunities for underrepresented groups. The Business at the Bayou event was an absolute success.