Every month the Urban League’s Black Business Hub hosts networking events for Hub tenants and local business partners. The Black Business Hub Monthly Networking Event serves as an opportunity for professionals and companies to connect in the Hub’s one-of-a-kind facilities. In addition to sharing knowledge, experiences, and getting the opportunity to learn from the month’s sponsoring company, CLIMB USA, the Hub’s one-of-a-kind food stood out as well. Breakfast was prepared by Chef Jeff Norwood, who also works as the Hub Kitchen Manager. This delicious breakfast was paired with the Hub’s in-house coffee shop, Rasta Barista located on the first floor.
To kick off the event, Black Business Hub Director, Magugu Davis, welcomed the group. She spoke directly about the purpose of these monthly gatherings – business to business learning. Urban League of Greater Madison President and CEO, Dr. Ruben Anthony, also mentioned this in his address to the group. They both emphasized the need for the type of space that they have built and are curating at the Hub. Dr. Anthony built on this point by taking the time to remind attendees of the Hub’s story. He expressed his burning desire to build an ecosystem for healthy businesses. This message was perfect, considering most attendees were those very businesses reaping in real time, the benefits of sharing space in the Hub.
Featured during this month’s event was an exclusive presentation from Bob Wynn of CLIMB USA. Climb USA is a non-profit organization “developing a community of youth and families learning the economic way of thinking and living within a strategically organized ecosystem. The key elements of our economic empowerment framework include youth development, building wealth through investment clubs, entrepreneurial training, and thought leadership.” Wynn is a tenant of the Hub and President of CLIMB USA. He works to provide people with the proper investment knowledge every day and teach them how to make financial investments. Wynn brought along with him a budding finance student attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lamont Johnson. Johnson spoke highly of his experience with CLIMB USA and how it inspired the career track he is actively pursuing.
Through mingling, insightful presentations, and the swapping of business cards, the Hub was buzzing this morning with energy. So many diverse individuals, and from diverse industries, were present to soak up all the wonderful knowledge being shared. Attending companies included, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, Summit Credit Union, Father’s Home Care, B Busy Renovations, and more. External businesses and professionals were also present. After presentations, everyone was asked to introduce themselves to the group to encourage more networking and awareness. It was fascinating to hear a little bit about what everyone does and how we all ended up in the Black Business Hub. Whether as individuals or companies, the space is growing and working every day to bring Madison together as a community that supports, uplifts, and advances black business.
The Black Business Hub Monthly Networking Event is happening again soon! Stay updated with Urban League of Greater Madison & Black Business Hub emails and social media to learn about your next opportunity to visit the Hub for professional opportunities.
