Business Equity in Fort Worth

Learn about resources available to local minority- and women-owned businesses.

Learn about resources available to local minority- and women-owned businesses, including funding sources, business certifications, contracting opportunities, and other assistance provided by the City of Fort Worth. This workshop will feature speakers from the City's, Economic Development department, Business Equity division, and the Fort Worth Public Library.

Cheryl Jones, representing the City of Fort Worth Economic Development Department, will provide an overview of resources available at the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center, a one-stop shop for small business, dedicated to providing small business owners with the tools they need to be successful. The BAC is home to 11 on-site collaborative partners, with a mission of promoting a strong economy by providing training, technical assistance, funding opportunities, and business support services to established, start-up small businesses and micro-enterprises. The BAC provides assistance on topics ranging from how to start a business or writing a business plan to becoming minority certified, and offers free one-on-one business counseling.

Gwen Wilson will discuss how the City’s Business Equity Division can help certified small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses gain access to the direct contracting and sub-contracting opportunities offered by city procurement. This service is available to qualified businesses in Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, Johnson, Parker and Wise Counties. 
The discussion will be moderated by staff from the Fort Worth Public Library’s Adult Services unit, who will also share information about the Library’s business equity tools and resources.