University to Host Lunchtime Roundtable with Black Women in Business

On Monday, Feb. 8, The University of Scranton SBDC, Office of Community Relations, the Black Scranton Project, and Women in Philanthropy, a Project of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, will offer a lunchtime roundtable event “Black Women in Business.” During this special lunchtime event, The Black Scranton Project founder and CEO, Glynis Johns, M.A., will provide an overview of the Project’s NEPA Black-Owned Businesses Directory and its significance to the region. The event will spotlight three women, all local business owners, who will share their stories of entrepreneurship in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Nationally, Black women are the fastest-growing demographic of business owners and represent 42 percent of new women-owned businesses. During this event, three regional business owners will share their own experiences as business owners: Asia Miller, owner, Paradise Soulfood & Sweets LLC; Koni Bennett, owner & stylist, Vanity Boutique Salon; and Juanita Harris, owner, Grooming by Juanita. Participants are invited to join this free virtual event to hear the stories from local women in business, to learn from their experiences, and to gain insights on how to support Black business in our region.

This lunchtime event is open to members of both the University of Scranton and the broader Scranton area communities. Registration for this free event is required at: https://tinyurl.com/y4vyfmfc. A Zoom link will be e-mailed to registrants on the morning of Monday, Feb. 8. Please contact elizabeth.geeza@scranton.edu for assistance.

The event is a collaboration of the Black Scranton Project, Women in Philanthropy, a Project of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, The University of Scranton Office of Community and Government Relations, and The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides educational programs and no cost, confidential consulting services to entrepreneurs looking to start a small business or grow an existing small business in Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties in Pennsylvania. For additional information, visit the SBDC Web Site or email sbdc@scranton.edu.