Petersburg Small Business Town Hall: Staying Ahead in Shifting in Success

This quarter’s Small Business Town Hall addresses how Petersburg’s Black and minority-owned businesses can navigate recent national rollbacks in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) while tapping into evolving federal funding opportunities. With Petersburg being over 74% Black, the discussion will center on strategies to close wealth and access gaps in our small business ecosystem.

The event will feature expert insights from marketing strategist Patrick McFadden, a moderated panel of subject matter experts, and small-group strategy sessions focused on procurement readiness, SBA lending access, digital visibility, and business sustainability.

Participants will walk away with:

• A better understanding of the shifting DEI landscape.
• Concrete funding and contracting strategies.
• Tools to strengthen and protect their businesses in uncertain times.

Free and open to the public. Registration and question submission links will be provided. Light refreshments will be served.

• Gain clarity on new SBA opportunities and how to access them effectively.
• Learn from local leaders who’ve adapted to changing funding landscapes.
• Network with peers and experts at a community-focused venue led by a trusted local business advocate.
• Leave with practical steps, funding roadmaps, and visibility strategies you can implement immediately.

• RSVP now via (EventBrite)
• Submit your questions ahead of time: https://forms.gle/JSbZ3pi9DadaXYZh8

Petersburg Small Business Town Hall – “Staying Ahead in Shifting DEI & Federal Funding Landscapes”📅 Date: Wednesday, November 12th, 2025🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM📍 Location: Cool Beanz Café, 2 N Sycamore Street, Petersburg, VA🎤 Host: Nikki Harris | Featured Expert: Patrick McFadden📌 Sponsored by: Main Street Petersburg (Main Street America accredited)

Info: | Time | Activity |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 11:00–11:10 | Doors open & informal networking |
| 11:10–11:15 | Opening by Nikki Harris – set the tone & share purpose |
| 11:15–11:45 | Patrick McFadden – “Navigating DEI rollbacks & SBA funding push” |
| 11:45–12:15 | Expert panel discussion + moderated Q\&A |
| 12:15–12:25 | Audience Q\&A – moderate live/show-of-hands |
| 12:25–12:50 | Strategy Lab – small group roundtables with experts |
| 12:50–1:00 | Close with key takeaways, next steps, and resource sharing |

Host or Publisher Unitary Productions, LLC