Charlotte, NC/August 20, 2025 - Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) welcomed business and civic leaders to campus for the Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI) Bluprint Reception, a gathering designed to strengthen dialogue and expand opportunities for small business owners across the city.
Dr. Valerie Kinloch, 15th President of JCSU, opened the evening with greetings and a call to action, applauding the rich opportunity for community collaborations from Charlotte's West End and Johnson C. Smith University to Charlotte's Center City, the epicenter of government and corporate exchange.
Dr. Boris Henderson, Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs at JCSU echoed this perspective.
“As an anchor institution in the Historic West End, it is deeply important to us that we contribute to economic development in our community,” he said. “This work aligns with our vision for JCSU, a vision that gave birth to the Black Economic and Educational Empowerment Summit. Tonight’s gathering is a continuation of that work—and a signal of what is still to come," Henderson said.
City Leaders in Attendance
Councilman Malcolm Graham, a JCSU alumnus, was instrumental in bringing the CBI reception to Johnson C. Smith University. He was elated by the outcome.
"Small business entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of the City of Charlotte. We must continue to support our small business owners and expand contracting opportunities. That’s why this partnership with Johnson C. Smith University around the Corridors of Opportunity is so important—it creates new pathways for small business owners to thrive. It simply makes good sense for our city and for our future," Councilman Graham said.
Other members of Charlotte’s government leadership were present to show their support, including Councilman Edward Peacock, Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield, Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson and Angela Lee, Charlotte Water Director. Deputy City Manager, Dr. Monica Allen, applauded the collaboration, saying:
“Small business entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of the City of Charlotte. We must continue to support our small business owners and expand contracting opportunities. That’s why this partnership with Johnson C. Smith University around the Corridors of Opportunity is so important—it creates new pathways for small business owners to thrive.”
Tashiek Leska, Director of Compliance Services, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, emphasized the high level of engagement in the room:
“I was pleasantly surprised by both the number of people in attendance and the caliber of participants. By caliber, I mean the presence of Charlotte’s leadership. Their participation demonstrates how important this work truly is to the future of our city.”
Supporting Small Business Growth
The evening provided a platform for discussion between small business owners, city leaders, and corporate representatives, with a shared goal of building stronger pathways to growth. Attendees noted that Charlotte must be a city where small businesses are supported and given the tools to grow.
Charlotte business leaders on the program included Steven Coker and Julius Edwards representing CBI and David Willis of NuLevel Strategic Solutions.
Over the next eight weeks, CBI participants will engage in the Charlotte Business INClusion Bluprint, a course designed to deepen connections, strengthen entrepreneurial skills, and provide resources for long-term success.
