Issues Over Lunch: Inclusive Prosperity Downtown

Announcing a special edition of our popular Issues & Eggs series: Issues over Lunch; featuring Shelonda Stokes, president of the Downtown Baltimore Partnership.

Join us for an informative discussion on inclusive economic development in Austin. Hear from national and local industry leaders who are working to create a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape. Learn about programs designed to support small businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Program Highlights:

• Keynote Speaker: Shelonda Stokes, president of the Downtown Baltimore Partnership will discuss the successful BOOST program, which has provided grant funding and support to BIPOC-owned businesses in downtown Baltimore.

Following the keynote, join us for a panel discussion featuring:

• Tom Noonan (President & CEO, Visit Austin): The future of Austin’s convention center and its impact on the city.
• Brittney Rodriguez (COO, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce): DECA Chambers’ new REED program for minority businesses and workforce solutions.
• Jenell Moffett (Chief Impact Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance): The Downtown Austin Storefront Activation (DASA) program supports small businesses and creatives.

Shelonda Stokes will return to the panel to expand on her keynote and share additional insights from the BOOST program.

Each ticket sale supports the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, whose mission is to create downtown vibrancy through art, parks, and cultural spaces by and for everyone. And vision of creating a downtown Austin that thrives as a vibrant, inclusive community, where art and culture are accessible to all.