The Indianapolis Black Chamber will host a panel discussion with community and business leaders this week, focusing on how to build more equity in the business community.
Emil Ekiyor, the CEO of InnoPower, says the Black Business Town Hall is an effort by the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce to bring together various stakeholders in the business community to discuss future opportunities.
Ekiyor says of the recent growth in business in Indianapolis, “So much wealth has been created. ” He wants Black business owners, who he says only make up 3% of business owners in Indy, to have a larger role.
During the town hall, Ekiyor says attendees will focus on how Black businesses can grow with regional opportunities. Ekiyor says he wants to discuss actionable steps that can be taken to support and elevate Black-owned businesses in Indy. He says he wants to be part of a collective effort to explore how policy reforms and community-driven initiatives can level the playing field for Black entrepreneurs.
In addition, Ekiyor says he wants town hall attendees to meet with local leaders, business owners, and advocates to brainstorm ways to create lasting partnerships and resources for Black-owned businesses to thrive. “It’s a dialogue.”
When it comes to what’s hampering the growth of Black-owned small businesses in Indianapolis, Ekiyor says, “We all know the problems.” Now, it’s time to focus on sustainable solutions. He says that’s done by going into the community and learning from each other by asking the right questions.
Along with Ekiyor, the panelists for the Black Business Town Hall include entrepreneur Marshawn Wolley. Soraya Van Horn will host the event.
The Indy Black Chamber of Commerce Black Business Town Hall will be hosted at Martin University on April 17. For more information, visit www.indybcc.org/events/black-business-town-hall.
