Having access to a good job is key to thriving in the Greater Washington region, but we know that the region’s overall economic growth is not experienced equitably. In our recent VoicesDMV Community Insights survey, more than 1 in 6 of our Black and African American neighbors rated the availability of good jobs in the area where they live as poor.
Small businesses are a key economic driver in Prince George’s County; ninety-five percent of businesses in the county are small businesses. Unfortunately, 50 percent of jobs created in Prince George’s County over the past five years were lost in the first two weeks of COVID-19.
This session featured thought leaders from three different sectors to explore how small business and entrepreneurship can be tools for addressing unemployment and ensuring economic equity.
Speakers included:
June Evans, Director, Innovation Hub
Anna Bard, Community Relations Manager – MD, DC & VA, Wells Fargo
April Richardson, Owner, Food Opportunity LLC
Moderator: Tonia Wellons, President & CEO, Greater Washington Community Foundation
This event is part of The Community Foundation’s Social Justice Town Hall series. The series will provide a forum for the community to learn more about the issues impacting our region and to start developing solutions to rebuild more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.
The series will culminate in an opportunity for our entire region to come together for On the Table Conversations to consider how these issues impact our families and communities. The Community Foundation will then fund Community Action Awards to help transform ideas sparked during these conversations into action–committing at least $100,000 for community organizing, action, and social justice projects that can be implemented individually or collectively.