Road to Richmond: The Rebirth

“Finesse Fest” Connecting Young Entrepreneurs to Local Resources

What:         The City of Richmond is set to host Finesse Fest: Entrepreneurs of the City event. The main objective of the festival is to inspire young adults and help them achieve their dreams and aspirations. The event aims to promote entrepreneurship and create generational wealth. This social marketing event will showcase several small black-owned businesses in Richmond. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to market their products and services to attendees while sharing their stories of becoming self-employed. Free resources will be available on-site to provide information on starting and maintaining a business. It promises to be a fun and interactive evening.

When:         6 –10 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2024

Where:       Main Street Station

       1500 E Main Street

       Richmond, VA

Visuals:  

• • 40 vendor tables
  • Special Guest Speakers: Q&A session
  • Catering provided by local restaurants
  • Business Promotion and Manifestation Booth
  • Finesse Fest T-Shirts
  • Raffle prize giveaways

Background: The City of Richmond is organizing a series of events to commemorate Black History Month. These events aim to inspire and connect our community through meaningful discussions about important issues and topics, and to promote generational wealth. Richmond recognizes the need for providing equal opportunities for all residents and businesses.

To this end, the city has created the Strategic Plan for Equitable Economic Development (SPEED), which focuses on community, innovation, and industry, and has set five ambitious economic development goals to achieve by the end of Fiscal Year 2026.

The Office of Minority Business Development is another area that reflects Richmond's commitment to equity and inclusivity. Their mission is to help minority business enterprises (MBEs), emerging small businesses (ESBs), and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) succeed in the full range of contracting opportunities available in the City of Richmond.

Moreover, the Office of Sustainability is working closely with historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities that are most affected by climate change. This initiative aims to prepare these communities to be more climate-ready and resilient.

In Richmond, the city is connecting families through genealogy and census projects through the dedicated work of the Human Services and Planning and Development Departments. Although we cannot rewrite history, Richmond and its partners' efforts can help tell a more comprehensive story for those whose history has yet to be fully shared.

The Road to Richmond: The Rebirth highlights the city's ongoing evolution, growth, and the emergence of new leaders. Richmond is committed to promoting equitable and inclusive development and building the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

Media Availability:  5 – 6 PM

Thomeisha Coleman

• Participating vendor
• Personal Trainer
• Owner of Infinite Curves

Ryan Austin Williams

• Participating vendor
• Owner of Juice Life RVA

Lisette Johnson

• Program and Operations Supervisor for the Office of the Minority Business Development Department with the city of Richmond
• Assist aspiring business owners to properly develop a successful business

Join the city for three groundbreaking events next week that will explore art, food, and black love/relationships.

The City of Richmond and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) are hosting a series of events to celebrate Black History Month. On February 15th, from 7-8 PM, in the VMFA Atrium, there will be a conversation about the arts, entertainment, and Richmond's African American heritage. The discussion, titled "Art: A Platform for Change," will focus on the art infrastructure in Richmond and Virginia, and seek to inspire meaningful dialogue around issues related to art creation by Black artists in RVA.

On February 16th, the city, partners, and leaders will come together at the VMFA to discuss healthy food disparities in the Black community. The event will explore topics such as access to nutritious food, strategies for promoting healthier eating, and initiatives making a difference. Participants will also learn about the impact of food deserts in Black neighborhoods and the cultural significance of food in Black heritage.

On Saturday, February 17th, the city will host an event titled “Black Love,” highlighting newlyweds and seasoned partners, to share their experiences of navigating challenges and breaking stereotypes, while celebrating their unique role in society.

"Black Love" will be an open conversation that highlights communication and recognition of diverse narratives within the Black community. The event promises to have unique surprises that add to the robust reclamation of love. Everyone is invited to participate in this transformative experience, where we transcend obstacles and foster understanding, even in the face of adversity.