The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) in partnership with the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC), will host Unity Week on November 28-30, 2023, in Philadelphia.
Uniting the nation’s leading business diversity organizations, the 2023 NBIC Unity Week is a celebration of diversity, opportunity, equity, and collaboration. Attendees will receive access to exclusive dayside programming focused on continuing the growth and success for diverse communities in the United States and around the globe. Unity Week brings together LGBTQ+ and allied leaders to celebrate hardwon successes and focus on how we build support in our networks to create strong and prosperous business programs.
Unity Week will culminate with the Best-of-the-Best Awards Event on November 30, 2023.
If you are a corporate partner that has questions about Unity Week, please email corporaterelations@nglcc.org. If you are an LGBTQ or other diverse small business, please email events@nglcc.org
EXPLORE THE AGENDA
WBENC Programming (by invitation)
7:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Registration & Help Desk Open
Location: Great Room Prefunction – Meeting Level 5
7:45 AM – 8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
Location: Great Room Prefunction – Meeting Level
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Session
Location: Great Room
General Session: Opening Session | Presented by Wells Fargo
Segment 1: Impact of Women Owned Businesses
Join us for a panel discussion on The Wells Fargo 2023 Impact of Women Owned Businesses. This inaugural report chronicles the economic upheaval caused by COVID-19 and how it opened opportunities for women to launch new businesses and grow their existing businesses. The report highlights the impact of gender, race, business size, industry, and geography. it aims to explain the causes that underlie the patterns. The WIPP Education Institute is proud to partner with Wells Fargo, Ventureneer and CoreWoman to bring this critical research to the forefront. Attendees will learn how the data can be used to help unleash the untapped potential of women business owners to grow the U.S. economy, create jobs, increase innovation, and build wealth.
Speakers: Angela Dingle, Judith Goldkrand, Julie Rothhouse, and Geri Stengle
Segment 2: Understanding AI Policy
During this segment attendees will hear directly from President Biden’s top official on AI policy. Understand what the President’s executive Order on AI means for you and the future of AI policy.
Speaker: Arati Prabhakar, Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Segment 3: The Future of Federal Contracting and the SBA 8(a) Program
Hear directly from SBA leadership about recent changes to the SBA 8(a) program and what it means for your business. This is also an opportunity to hear what other SBA innovations are under way at the SBA.
Speaker: Aditi Dussault, Senior Advisor to the Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
1. Understanding SBA 8(a) and How to Successfully Draft Your Application Narrative
Location: Studio 2 – Meeting Level 4
Are you a small business owner looking to gain a competitive edge by participating in the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) program? Join us for an insightful session on understanding the recent changes to the 8(a)-application process and learn how to write a winning application narrative. In this session, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the SBA 8(a) program, including its benefits and eligibility criteria. We will delve into the recent updates made to the application process, ensuring that participants are up-to-date on the latest requirements and procedures. Hear first-hand what it takes to write a winning application narrative.
Speaker: Melissa Poli
2. Cross-Segment Connections
Location: Studio 3 – Meeting Level 4
Looking to meet suppliers from other segments? Feel free to visit the open networking right next door to the segment on 8a!
3. NGLCC Joint Corporate Councils & NBIC Org Leaders Meeting (by invitation)
Location: Industry 1&2 – Meeting Level 5
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
General Session: Luncheon Plenary
Location: Great Room Meeting Level 5 | Presented by Accenture
U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency and What it Means to You
We will hear from Director of Public Affairs and Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency (EDA). During this segment we will explore EDA’s role in fostering economic growth and prosperity across the United States. As well as the agency’s mission, functions, and programs aimed at promoting job creation, attracting investments, and supporting regional economic development initiatives and what that means for your business or organization
Speaker: Jonathan Lovitz, Director of Public Affairs and Senior Advisor, Economic Development Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce
Segment 2: Spotlight on Greater Philadelphia Diverse Business Organizations:
Join us for an engaging discussion on the current landscape for diverse-owned businesses in the greater Philadelphia area. This session will bring together representatives from various diverse business organizations across the region to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by diverse entrepreneurs and business owners. During this session, we will delve into the unique experiences of diverse-owned businesses, including those owned by women, minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups. We will examine the barriers they encounter and how these organizations are helping their members navigate the local business ecosystem. Additionally, we will explore successful strategies and initiatives that have been implemented to support and promote diverse entrepreneurship that can be expanded across the country.
1:45 PM – 4:00 PM
NaVOBA Board Meeting (by invitation only)
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
PM Sessions
- Unity Week MatchMakers (2-5pm) | Presented by Google | Location: Meeting Level 4
- WIPP/Unity Week Topic Talks (2-5pm)| Location: Industry 1&2 – Meeting Level 5
Essential Pre-Contract Strategies for Corporate Engagement
Presenter: Amy Rowland
Whether you are a small business owner venturing into your first corporate contract or a seasoned professional, this session will equip you with the tools and insights to streamline your pre-contract processes and position your business for success. You’ll gain the know-how to navigate the pre-contractual landscape easily and quickly, gaining a strategic edge in your corporate engagements.
Blank Canvas Strategic Planning
Presenter: Sue Tellier
It’s year-end. Savvy business leaders are building their 2024 strategy, and everyone has an idea for the best way. Business books repackage the one-page strategic plan in different ways. This forms the ‘how’ you’ll operate in 2024. However, let’s challenge ourselves together on the ‘what’ we will do before we get to the ‘how.’ Come prepared to think differently and creatively during this session to determine your ‘what’ for 2024. Required materials: an open mind, a willingness to think creatively, a blank sheet of paper, and a writing utensil.
Increasing Cross-Cultural Communication
Presenter: Dottie Li
During this presentation, you will learn the tools to use to increase your communication capacity, which includes translation, interpretation, and ASL, and how to get your message out effectively while ensuring that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is achieved at the same time.
You Have a Meeting With An OSDBU – What’s Next
Presenter: Lynn Petrazzuolo
Sometimes, there is a disconnect between an Agency Program Office and the Small Business Office, resulting in missed opportunities for small businesses. You have done everything you’ve been told to do, such as Submitting Sources Sought and engaging in Capability Briefings. Yet, the Program Officers stay connected to only the businesses they know. This session will explore how businesses can work with the OSDBUs to help them help us.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
NaVOBA Reception (by invitation)
Wet Bar on 7th Floor of the W
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Unity Week Reception
Location: Great Room – Meeting Level 5
7:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Registration & Help Desk Open
Location: Great Room Prefunction – Meeting Level 5
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Thursday Morning AM Sessions
- The AI Revolution Isn’t Coming, It’s Here: What You Need to Know to Stay Relevant and Beat the Competition | Location: Studio 2/3 – Meeting Level 4
In today’s competitive digital landscape, small businesses must embrace AI to stay competitive. This session explores integrating AI into your business strategy, improving operations, customer service, and marketing. This session will dispel myths while exploring AI tools, including predictive analytics. Learn to deliver personalized experiences, optimize campaigns, and make data-driven decisions. We’ll address common concerns like cost and complexity, providing strategies to overcome them. By the end, you’ll understand AI’s importance, with actionable insights to outperform competitors in the digital world.
Speaker: Jordan Rambo, Accenture
2. NGLCC Updates: Corporate Partner and Platinum Circle Engagement (by invitation)
Location: Industry 1&2 – Meeting Level 5
We invite all NGLCC Corporate Partners to join us for a unique session in which the team provides updates on NGLCC goals and progress over the 2023 year with presentations led by the NGLCC Corporate Relations team, Supplier Diversity Initiative, Stakeholder Engagement Center, the NGLCC Platinum Circle.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 PM
Plenary Doors Open
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Best-of-the-Best Event
Presented by Bank of America
Location: Great Room – Meeting Level 5
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Best-of-the-Best Awardee Photo Opportunity
Location: Great Room – Meeting Level 5
We invite all Best-of-the-Best Corporations for Inclusion and Special Award Winners to stay in the Great Room with NBIC leadership for photographs
LOCATION INFORMATION
W Philadelphia
1439 CHESTNUT STREET,
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, USA, 19102
Presenting Level Sponsors
Unity Week Partners
MEMBERS OF THE NBIC INCLUDE:
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Disability:IN, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), United States Black Chambers Inc. (USBC), United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), United States Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC), WEConnect International, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
