2024 LEAP Alumni Reunion and Entrepreneur Event

Thursday, November 7, at the Opportunity Center in North Charleston
10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Panelist and Moderator Topics

Keynote Speaker: Deon Tedder, South Carolina State Senator

"What's the Real Cost of Doing Business?"
Learn how to effectively manage and mitigate the inevitable costs of running a business. We'll explore financial strategies, cost-cutting measures, and how to maximize your return on investment, giving you the tools to build a more profitable and sustainable business.
Panelists:
Kimberley Brown (Community Development Lending Officer, SCCLF)
Brian Colclough (Chief Lending Officer, SCCLF)
Demetrius Smith (Apprenticeship Consultant and Training Development Manager, Apprenticeship Carolina)
Moderator:
Chanelle Brougton

"Succession Planning"
It's never too early to plan for your future. This session will cover essential strategies for building a solid retirement plan, ensuring that your personal and professional goals align for long-term financial security. Whether you're just starting out or nearing retirement, this talk will help you prepare for the future with confidence.
Panelists:
Dorthea Bernique (Chief Executive Officer, Increasing H.O.P.E. Financial Training Center
Brianna Jackson (Director of Legal Services, Center for Heirs' Property)
Dr. Tutwieler-Dawkins (Principal/Owner, TutwilerDawkins, LLC)
Moderator:
Charlotte Grant

"Contracting Opportunities"
Discover the benefits of building a diverse supply chain and learn how to navigate procurement processes to ensure you are business partners with suppliers aligning with your values and goals. This session will provide actionable steps to enhance your company's operations, strengthen relationships, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Panelists:
Frank Ancrum (Small Business Enterprise Department Manager, City of North Charleston)
Brett Tolbert (Director of Contracts & Procurement, Charleston County Government)
Moderator:
Greg Perry

"Keeping Up with Change"
Market Saturation can signal the need for a change in strategy. This session will help you identify when it's time to pivot and offer practical steps for innovating your business model to find new growth opportunities and keep your brand fresh in an evolving market.
Panelists:
Paul Smith (Chief Executive Officer, BEST Carolina)
Nicole Gamble (Founder, Visa Now, LLC)
Lee Gamble (Founder, Visa Now, LLC)
Moderator:
Menia Lee

Event Agenda

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Registration

10:10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Welcome, Nate Barber

10:15 - 10:30 a.m.
Opening Remarks and Introductions, Greg Perry and Kimberley Brown

10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Guest Speaker, Senator Deon Tedder

11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
LEAP Testimonials (Southeast Detailing and Awendaw Sanitation)

11:30 - 11:40 a.m.
Sponsor and Member Acknowledgement, Wells Fargo

11:40 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch

12:45 - 1:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Session 1: Succession Planning
Session 2: Keeping Up with Change

2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Session 1: Contracting Opportunities
Session 2: What's the Real Cost of Doing Business?

3:20 - 4:30 p.m.
Pitch Competition

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Mixer (Door prize winners, Table Topics, Food & Fun!)