Richmond to host PIVOT Symposium supporting small business growth

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A roundtable designed to offer business owners tips and insights for growth and innovation will be held in Richmond on Thursday morning.

The city's Office of Minority Business Development, in partnership with Black CEO Roundtable, will host the free PIVOT Symposium from 8:45 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Dec. 11, at Main Street Station.

According to the Dec. 10 release, the convening aims to assist business owners in transitioning from government contracting to private-sector opportunities and provide insights on supplier diversity, corporate partnerships and scaling sustainably.

Organizers said the symposium will also highlight artificial intelligence (AI) integration tools, growth strategies, and diversity, equity and inclusion support.

“The PIVOT Symposium is about preparing our small businesses for what’s next,” said Patricia Foster, Director of the Office of Minority Business Development. “Richmond’s entrepreneurs are innovative, resilient, and ready to grow, and this event gives them the practical strategies, connections, and confidence they need to compete in new markets and expand beyond traditional contracting opportunities.” 

The symposium features the following lineup of corporate executives, entrepreneurs and other related experts:

• Devon Henry, CEO, Team Henry Enterprises 
• Andréa Lyons, CEO & Executive Producer, All About Presentation 
• Whitney Roe, Dominion Energy 
• Sharon Wooldridge, The Kleane Kare Team 
• Nickkol Lewis, Principal & Senior Creative, Visual Appeal LLC 
• Reuben Essandoh, Senior Executive, Capital One 
• Tammy Hester, Executive Vice President, ACI Health 
• Calvin Thweatt, Commonwealth of Virginia 
• Yolanda Reed, Credential America 
• Ariana Barringtine, VCU Health 
• Leah Walker, Impact Solutions (moderator) 
• Scotchessa Hurte, CEO, Medical Staffing 360 (emcee)