This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
After more than a two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, BizLaunch events are springing into action this spring with two can’t-miss opportunities.
The SWaMmy Honors
In celebration of Business Appreciation Month, BizLaunch and the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity are partnering on the SWaMmy Honors. This hybrid event celebrates Virginia’s small businesses while recognizing the resiliency of small businesses as they build back our economy after the global pandemic.
This year’s event is on May 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 10 SWaM certified businesses from around the Commonwealth will be recognized. Businesses will be honored as a Legacy Business — those in business 20+ years, or as a Community Impact Business — those who have made a positive contribution to their community.
While the honorees will be recognized in person in Richmond, Virginia, attendees will be able to watch and participate via Google Meet. Register today and help us honor Virginia’s small businesses.
Brunch and Business: Celebrating the Joy of Black Entrepreneurship
BizLaunch’s signature program is back and better than ever with a brand-new partner, The Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, serving as our host for the event. We will feature and celebrate Black-owned companies in Arlington that exemplify what it means to launch and manage a successful business at this special event.
Panelists for this year’s program include:
- Jennifer Jones, CEO/Creative Founder, Cosmopolitan Plated
- Daniel Logan, Founder, Columbia Pike Laundry
- Rudy Burwell, President, Encompass Supply
- Khadeejah Honesty, Founder, Soultry Brand
Unlike previous Brunch and Businesses, we can have exhibitor space for Black-owned food companies. Interested Black-owned food-based businesses should reach out to Alex Held for more information about securing exhibitor space.
Join us on June 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as we celebrate Arlington’s diverse small business community.
For more information about BizLaunch and to stay up to date on events and programs, sign up for our newsletter or visit www.bizlaunch.org.
Clips from the virtual SWaMmy Honors held in October 2020.