February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the vibrant culture of the Black community, past, present, and future.
The Bulls concluded the month by partnering with BMO to host the inaugural Business Summit to support local Black and Brown-owned businesses. The summit is an extension of her four activities for each organization.th Annual Black-Owned Business Initiative – designed to foster collaboration, development, and relationship-building among Chicago entrepreneurs.
The summit, held at Chicago's BMO Tower, featured a rich program that included conversations about the challenges facing business leaders of color. The event also included opportunities for knowledge sharing, professional headshots, and ample time for meaningful connections. The agenda included:
- Introductions from Adrian Schelenzel, Bulls Vice President of Community Engagement, and Niamh Christufek, Head of BMO U.S. Business Banking.
- The panel discussion was moderated by Don C., a Chicago-based streetwear designer and creative strategy and design advisor to the Bulls, and featured Richard Bloomfield, co-founder and CEO of Funky Town Brewery, and owner of Semicolon Bookstore. We were joined by one Daniel Mullen, founder Maya Camille Broussard. Of pi justice.
- Short inspirational speeches from Ron Milsap, director of US Zero Barriers to Business at BMO, Sarah Smith, director of marketing for the Chicago Bulls, and Jason Mercer, principal at Cleveland Avenue, Accelerator, Venture Capital and consulting firm.
- Q&A session led by Vachon Harper-Young, Senior Community Relations Manager at BMO.
- Entrepreneur, NBA All-Star and Bulls alumnus Carlos Boozer and Crain's Chicago Assistant Editor-in-Chief Cassandra West sit down for a hearthside conversation about their transition from professional athlete to entrepreneur and the lessons they've learned along the way.
“This summit connects the Bulls to our continued commitment to communities, Black and brown businesses, nonprofits, and emerging leaders,” said Adrian Schelenzel, Bulls vice president of community engagement. Ta. “We provided a space where people could build community, talk to each other, think about ways to work together, ask questions, and really be vulnerable.”
This business summit is a step toward sustained economic growth, increased opportunity, and a more inclusive Chicago. The Bulls and BMO recognize their critical role in Chicago's prosperity and will continue to support and uplift Black and brown-owned businesses this month and beyond.
“Our partnership with the Chicago Bulls really brings to fruition a program that we have been implementing for several years,” said Ron Milsap, director of U.S. Business Zero Barriers at BMO. “Every month throughout the season, the Bulls will spotlight a Black-owned business and bring it to our viewers. This is in keeping with our purpose at BMO: Boldly Grow the Good in Business and Life.” It's consistent with what we're doing and it's consistent with my day-to-day work in terms of the programs that I lead.”
In 2020, the organizations launched the Chicago Bulls x BMO Chicago Black-Owned Business Campaign. The campaign is an initiative focused on raising awareness of Black-owned businesses across Chicago and uplifting Black entrepreneurs who are making a positive difference in their communities. Each business in the annual cohort will be highlighted at Bulls home games and on the organization's social channels, game day broadcasts throughout the season, detailing the story and inspiration behind each business in the words of the leader. . This year's cohort includes:
- Auriel Bannister, owner of Banis Beet's, an organic cold-pressed juicery in Beverly and the West Loop.
- Kpoene' Kofi-Bruce, Ette the Wedding Tailor, Mignotte Bridal, and owner of Bricolage Bridal, the first 100% zero-waste luxury bridal collection.
- LeQoinne Rice and Chris Scardin are co-owners of Logan Square restaurant The Duplex.
- Shari Curry is the owner of Recycled Modern. A carefully selected home decor store, art gallery, and event lounge that elevates the voices and stories of local artists from diverse backgrounds and focuses on vintage and handcrafted home decor, art, and lifestyle goods. Masu. black creative.
- Donna Coleman, owner of DSC Vision Corner. A plus size women's clothing boutique that also carries bras and shapewear, statement she jewelry and fashion she bags.
Stay tuned as the Bulls continue to support the Black community this month and throughout the year.
