We've heard the statistics: Many businesses will not make it through this unprecedented time. While the stimulus provided a brief respite, it cannot go on forever, and a stimulus check alone cannot save small businesses.

In this time of COVID-19 and social unrest, it is imperative that small businesses develop their own solutions, solutions that help to stabilize their businesses and strengthen their communities. However, in doing this, they must ensure that their solutions are inclusive and encourage all businesses to participate.

In this session, you will learn:

• What is a diverse business ecosystem?
• Why diverse ecosystems are important for the entire community
• How social unrest leads to economic distress
• How to develop a diverse business ecosystem that benefits the entire community

Kathey is a nationally recognized small business strategist and award-winning supplier diversity expert. She has helped numerous minority and women-owned businesses receive millions of dollars in contract opportunities and was recognized as Advocate of the Year by the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council. She is the author of 50 Billion Dollar Boss, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award, and Implementing Supplier Diversity. Each participant will receive a full copy of her white paper, ‘‘Beyond the Contract: Building Diverse Business Ecosystems.’