Third annual Black Business Expo to showcase more than 40 vendors and a lineup of speakers

From haircare to bakery treats, creative branding to mobile bartending and much more, Case Western Reserve University is presenting its third annual Black Business Expo.

The event, from noon to 6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 12, at the Tinkham Veale University Center, serves two main purposes: to introduce and promote more than 40 Black-owned businesses (see list below) in Greater Cleveland to potential customers, while providing the vendors resources to enhance their enterprises.

Black business owners will have the opportunity to network and learn from financial literacy experts—and to sell their goods and services to the public.

“As a pillar of the city, seated in the heart of Cleveland’s vibrant Black community, Case Western Reserve seeks to celebrate Black entrepreneurship, honor Black culture and serve as a resource for our local community,” said Robert Solomon, vice president of the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement.

The expo is designed to provide valuable information, education and product exposure for Black-owned businesses.

The expo will be presented in two parts: The morning session, featuring a lineup of speakers, is specifically offered for business owners registered as vendors. The afternoon session is an opportunity for vendors to market and sell their products.

Scheduled speakers

A representative of the Presidents Council, the African American Business Chamber of Commerce, will focus on understanding business strategies to build business for Black business owners.
Mary Luberger, from Case Western Reserve’s Procurement and Distribution Services, will explain the processes involved in becoming a vendor through procurement with the university.
U.S. Bank representative Norlynn Story, will discuss the bank’s services available to underserved business owners.
Representatives of UBIZ Venture Capital, established with support from the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, will discuss the UBIZ program that focuses on minority owned businesses.
Meltrice Sharp, of CLEConsulting Firm, will provide financial literacy for business owners.

“Through this initiative,” said Heather Burton, associate vice president and senior director for faculty and institutional diversity, “the office aims to support Black business and introduce the CWRU community to local Black business to be a catalyst in diversifying the university’s vendor options.”