Navigating Business Inclusion Policies & Programs Across All 50 States

Join us for this exciting online event! Author and lawyer Tisidra Jones will discuss her new book: A Guide to Business Inclusion Programs in Government Contracting: U.S. Federal, State, and Local Programs and Laws.

The business inclusion program landscape can sometimes feel challenging to navigate. In addition, with recent court decisions those running programs and businesses certified through the programs are left with questions and concerns. The book A Guide to Business Inclusion Programs in Government Contracting: U.S. Federal, State, and Local Programs and Laws may serve as a tool for those running programs and those navigating them that may help both strategize for the future by learning what exists across the nation.

During this event the author, Tisidra Jones, J.D., will walk through the following:
1. An overview of facts, data, and history related to business inclusion programs
2. An overview of what we are seeing in the marketplace
3. How the book may be used as a tool for both business inclusion program administrators and
businesses navigating those programs.

About the Book:

At the federal level of government alone in FY2022, $1.1 trillion dollars was spent on “contractual services and supplies” (Source: Spending Explorer, USASpending.gov, https://www.usaspending.gov/explorer/object_class (last visited May 13, 2023).) When state and local dollars for contracted serves are added, that total only continues to multiply. Navigating government contracting can seem like a daunting process and even more challenging for small and diverse businesses who may not have the capacity to dedicate someone to understanding this. Across the nation there are programs and laws focused on including small businesses and diverse businesses in government contracting opportunities that are available. This book is intended as a high-level guide to aid in understanding and navigating business inclusion programs and laws in government contracting at the federal, state, and local levels of government

Who should attend?

This event is open to anyone interested in learning about business inclusion policies and programs. Whether you're a supplier diversity professional or small businss owner, this event is for you. Come join us and be part of the conversation!

About the Author

Tisidra Jones, J.D, has been working at the intersection of creativity, policy, and entrepreneurship for over 15 years. Tisidra has a B.A. in music, with a minor in the Sociology of Difference from George Mason University. She acquired her J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and is licensed to practice law in New York and Minnesota. Tisidra has had articles and research published pertaining to diversity, access and advancing economic inclusion. She has been invited to serve as the keynote speaker; panel moderator; TEDx presenter, grant and funding judge and CLE presenter for events focused on entrepreneurship, organizational infrastructure building, business inclusion in government contracting, and equal economic opportunity. Tisidra, has also developed training programs for government entity staff pertaining to business inclusion.

Tisidra is passionate about creating systems that allow for more people to thrive. Throughout her career, and in her current role as CEO of Strong & Starlike, Consulting, Inc., Tisidra has worked with government entities, nonprofits, and businesses to design sustainable programs and policies related to economic development, economic opportunity and business inclusion. She has drafted ordinances for municipalities, state statutes and promulgated federal regulations. She has also worked with artists to engage hundreds of business owners and residents through community engagement to inform program and policy development for entities. Tisidra’s work at the intersection of art, law, and entrepreneurship has resulted in multiple awards and honors, including the 2017 International Arts and Culture Citizen Award; 2020 Minnesota Lawyer’s Diversity and Inclusion Award; the Lawyers of Color 2020 Hot List and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 2021 Women in Business Award; 2022 Fearless Commerce Honoree. She was also named as the 2020-2021 Law and Public Policy Scholar for the University of St. Thomas’ Center on Race, Leadership & Social Justice.