Thrive High Point: THRIVE Summit
Presented by: Pinnacle Financial Partners
September 7th, 2022
By: Sherry Shaw-Adams
It is a great day to be an entrepreneur in Hight Point, NC! Thrive HP has gathered entrepreneurs and sponsors from near and far to celebrate all that is entrepreneurship.
Dr. Bryle Henderson Hatch, a consultant of Thrive Hight Point, greeted all of the attendees with a warm welcome. Brain Norris, the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Business High Point, followed by commenting on the beauty of Congdon Yards and its purpose of providing a space for entrepreneurs to ‘convene and collaborate’ right in the heat of the city. Before introducing the keynote speaker, Councilman Cyril Jefferson shared a little history of Thrive High Point. The conversation surrounding the initiative began in the year 2019 in an attempt to address the issues of entrepreneurship and the needs of entrepreneurs to be successful. Dr. Nido Qubein, the President of High Point University, spearheaded the fundraising efforts for this wonderful program.
“We can talk about achievements, but it is really about God’s Grace!”, began Dr. Qubein. He shared that he has been a resident of High Point since 1968 and even began his first business here with $500. Throughout his speech, he continued to emphasize the importance of marching forward, hand in hand and empowering those around you.
The highlight of the event was the ‘Thrive Table Talk’!
Dr. Shinika McKiever moderated the panel of 4 black women who are thriving in their own lanes as entrepreneurs. Ja’net Adams, Chelsie Hart-Smith, Lori Poag, and Dr. Catrice Hines shared gems with the attendees on how to grow within entrepreneurship no matter what they might face. Some of them being:
- Don’t dwell on the ‘no’, love the ‘no’!
- You are your own marketing—you have to have the drive!
- Entrepreneurship is global!
- Boundaries are important!
- Do it scared!
Thrive High Point’s year-in-review highlighted all of the numbers! With over 300 participants– 50 participants who are now new members of High Point’s chamber of commerce, 32 participants who have obtained RETOOL NC or other grant funding, and 18 members who have become HUB and/or MWBE certified with over 20 others in the application process.
After the awards ceremony and a hearty lunch, the attendees heard from the second keynote speaker, SVP of Pinnacle Financial Partners, Eva Ogden. She graciously thanked those in the financial field that helped those in need during the pandemic and encouraged attendees to take into account the historical inequities within the banking system. Eva shared her want to thrive in the banking industry stems from the need for economical inclusion across the nation.
Sessions for the attendees were led by Will Dungee (Mindset & Confidence), Dr. Dannellia Gladden-Green (Protecting Your Intellectual Property and Your Brand), Yvonne T. Allmond (Financial Literacy & Small Business Ownership), Allan Younger (Entrepreneurship in North Carolina), and Dr. Shinika McKiever (Non-Profit or NAH). They covered everything from non-profit opportunities, grant writing, and how to become a well-rounded entrepreneur.
Attendees left the summit with an elevated sense of business and empowered with a wealth of knowledge to THRIVE while being the best entrepreneurs possible.
