As the pandemic has impacted our economy and way of life, small business owners must pivot their offerings, business models, and marketing strategies in order to survive and thrive. In honor of Black History Month, BE NYC will host a panel discussion placing this phenomenon within the broader context of the history of Black entrepreneurship, including lessons on resilience, resolve, resourcefulness, and reimagination required to meet this moment.

Attendees will also receive information and resources to set up and optimize their own virtual storefronts through BE NYC's customized offering of Mastercard's Digital Doors webinar series and a special presentation by Shopify.

Speakers include: Deputy Mayor J. Phillip Thompson, Commissioner Jonnel Doris (NYC Department of Small Business Services), Ginger Siegel (Small Business Lead, Mastercard North America), Les Matthews (EVP, Data & Services, Mastercard), Funbi Makinde (Product Manager, Shopify), Christina Lewis (Social entrepreneur, writer, speaker and investor), Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne (Co-Founder, WOCStar Fund), and Gary Stewart (Founder & CEO, FounderTribes).