Breaking Down Barriers Economic Impact Catalyst

In this episode, host David Ponraj speaks with Johnathan Holifield, published author and highly practiced economic development authority, about his book: The Future Economy and Inclusive Competitiveness. Johnathan, the Architect of Inclusive Competitiveness (™) is the former executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCU and senior vice president of Bitwise Industries,  and who's now looking for his next big challenge where he can contribute to meaningful change.
The two share an animated and deeply philosophical discussion about what defines and impedes economic equity and economic mobility in America. Economic mobility hinges on ownership – ownership of assets and ownership of skills. A combination of the two is the key for individuals to achieve economic equity.
Johnathan shares that “the constitution protects us against racial discrimination, but doesn’t protect us with economic rights.” They discuss how the “race factor” has been a crutch when attempting to understand economic inequities, and that we haven’t been creative in addressing true solutions. Economic equity is hard to measure and is a difficult concept. That does not mean that it is not a critical concept worth measuring. 
A fascinating, deep dive conversation that chips away at the underpinnings of the wealth gap; and the previous and current superficial solutions that aren’t working and may, in fact, be widening that gap. Listen in to hear their in-depth insights, challenging questions and revolutionary solutions toward achieving real, measurable economic equity and inclusive competitiveness for all.
About Johnathan Holifield: Johnathan is an Innovation Economy leader, civil rights advocate and former NFL athlete. His  community roles, which evolved into economic development–especially with regard to  tech / innovation–are of special note, including NAACP and other civic entrepreneurial roles, which opened the door to the VP, New Economy Enterprise, Cincinnati USA Chamber of Commerce and Founding Executive. Director, CincyTech. This began his career in economic development.  
What makes his career unique is the hard-to-match background in traditional community development and groundbreaking leadership in tech / innovation-based economic development. 
It is the blending of his multidisciplinary background into an interdisciplinary career in tech / innovation economic development that is unparalleled. His interdisciplinary career fueled creation of the Inclusive Competitiveness Framework. 
Connect with Johnathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetrimtabber/ 

In this episode, host David Ponraj has a no holds barred conversation with Donovan Duncan, Executive Vice President of Urban Strategies, Inc. They discuss USI’s place-based initiative that focuses on housing, people, and economic solutions. Donovan shares that having a strong sense of place and belonging is what makes a thriving community; it is the most central part of economic development. “Place is at the epicenter of all things, of all experiences, of transformation and change. It’s how people ground themselves in their identity.”  He also shares some staggering statistics around homelessness and the wealth gap. 
Learn more about USI’s work in cities like Cleveland, which has a housing-first model with a goal of ending chronic homelessness by the year 2030 using an intentional, grassroots approach. They discuss fallacies around low-income housing, the good and bad of capitalism when it comes to equity, and the limited lens of credit scoring. Donovan also outlines his Big Hairy Audacious Goal for 2024, to incrementally lessen the wealth gap for African American households using a targeted, tracked and very specific method. An ambitious goal that can change the industry framework so that it meets the moment that we are in and creates opportunity for all.
Connect with Donovan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovan-duncan-7b5a8356/
Email: Donovan.Duncan@usi-inc.org
Website: https://urbanstrategiesinc.org/

In this episode, Host David Ponraj digs into the immense potential in public sector work with Carroll Bernard, CEO & Co-Founder at Govology.com, and former government worker at the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Carroll and his team at Govology specialize in opening up opportunities in the $500 billion government contracting market to small businesses, as there is an immense gap in awareness about government programs.
"The government procurement process can seem daunting, but the reward is well worth the effort - very sustainable revenue streams that allow companies to grow. Do good work [for the government] and there's always more business available, unlike the budget constraints in the private sector."

Carroll shares deep insights and processes to help small businesses navigate the government sales process and land those lucrative federal, state and local contracts; from researching spending data to crafting winning proposals.

David and Carroll explore the advantages of the 8A program for small disadvantaged businesses, including sole source contracts and set-aside contracts, as well as the potential for teaming opportunities with larger businesses. The discussion covers the essential steps for businesses to register on sam.gov and qualify for government programs, including the importance of market research before registering on SAM and identifying relevant NAICS codes and product service codes. They delve into the intricate details of small business certifications and government contracting, highlighting the specific eligibility criteria and federal programs available, including individual-based certifications for service-disabled veterans, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned businesses, as well as location-based certifications like HUBZone.
Learn more about public procurement at Govology.com
Connect with Carroll Bernard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrollbernard/
Resource: USAspending is the official open data source of federal spending information,
including information about federal awards such as contracts, grants, and loans. https://www.usaspending.gov/

In this episode, host David Ponraj is joined by Tarsha Hearns, Sr. Director at The DEC Network in Dallas, TX. Together, they shared the progress of our exciting, collaborative initiative to support underrepresented founders in Dallas. The Dallas-based Entrepreneur of Color Credit Enhancement Fund study was launched in 2023 with an anticipated fund implementation in the fall of 2024. This fund is a partnership between The DEC Network and Economic Impact Catalyst, with generous support from JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Kellogg's Foundation, and TD Jakes Foundation. 
Tarsha Hearns knows these challenges all too well. As an entrepreneur of color herself, she has lived the same struggle to access capital holding back so many others. During a recent conference session, Hearns provided raw insight into how DEC is working to change the status quo for diverse founders in Dallas. As Hearns explains, DEC undertook extensive research to unpack why so many minority and women entrepreneurs in the city could not access loans or investments. They conducted focus groups, surveys, and outreach to both business owners and the ecosystem meant to serve them.
The findings revealed a complex web of disconnects that contribute to capital gaps in Dallas's historically underserved neighborhoods. Many local community development financial institutions (CDFIs), despite a mission to provide equitable funding access, were still rejecting minority applicants at concerning rates. This is often tied to issues like low credit scores or lack of traditional collateral -systemic barriers that disproportionately impact entrepreneurs of color.
Faced with this reality, The DEC spearheaded the creation of a novel, ecosystem-based solution: the Inclusive Entrepreneurial Capital Initiative. Recognizing the need for alignment, this initiative brought CDFIs and banks together with small business support organizations on the front lines in underserved neighborhoods.
The fund plays a crucial role in promoting equitable access to funding by offering tailored lending, products, and programs that address the unique capital access gaps that exist for entrepreneurs of color, while recognizing the specific needs and concerns of the Dallas entrepreneurial community. The Dallas Entrepreneur of Color Credit Enhancement Fund is at work to shape the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs.
The DEC website: https://thedec.co/ 
Recent Press about the Fund: https://dallasinnovates.com/bank-of-america-supercharges-the-dec-network-mission-with-120k-for-entrepreneurs-of-color/ 
Connect with Tarsha Hearns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarshapolkhearns/

In this insightful discussion, Host David Ponraj speaks with John Dearie, President of the Center for American Entrepreneurship (CAE). John lays out a compelling case for why fostering entrepreneurship is pivotal for driving U.S. economic growth, job creation, and innovation. As America faces challenges around lackluster economic performance and declining startup rates, Dearie and his organization are working to put entrepreneurship at the forefront of the policy agenda. Some critical takeaways from this conversation:
Why Entrepreneurship Matters:
Entrepreneurship is critical for economic growth, job creation, opportunity expansion and rising wagesMost major innovations that have transformed economies stem from startups and entrepreneursU.S. entrepreneurship has been in decline for 4 decades, contributing to slower economic growthReversing this trend is "one of the most important and fundamental challenges facing the country"
CAE's Mission:
Educate policymakers on the vital role of entrepreneurship and reduce barriers to starting businessesAdvocate for an "American Entrepreneurship Agenda" addressing capital, talent, regulation, and moreChampion inclusive entrepreneurship by expanding access for women and entrepreneurs of colorSupport entrepreneurs at all stages from starting up to recovering from failure
Policy Victories:
Established first Congressional Entrepreneurship Caucuses in House and SenateKey role in bills like the Expanding American Entrepreneurship Act and CHIPS and Science ActDriving policies to restore startup R&D tax treatment and expand the child tax creditPushing for bankruptcy reform, affordable healthcare, and reducing student debt burdens
Follow CAE for the latest on their work igniting entrepreneurial opportunities across America. 
The CAE website: https://startupsusa.org/
CAE Socials: https://www.facebook.com/startupsusa/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-american-entrepreneurship/ 
Connect with John Dearie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dearie-b34565155/ 

As part of the American Rescue Plan, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 is providing billions to support small businesses and drive innovation across the country. In this interactive panel discussion, Host David Ponraj is joined by economic development leaders from California, Iowa and Mississippi as they share how they are designing inclusive, statewide Technical Assistance programs to ensure equitable access to SSBCI capital and resources. Here are some of the highlights:
Overcoming Barriers Through Trusted Connectors
Programs bring in trusted community organizations as "connectors" to reach underserved entrepreneurs"It's important to have those boots on the ground, community partners...they're trusted compared to a state office" - Mary Kelly, Iowa Economic Development AuthorityMinority chambers, local libraries and more help build pathways to overlooked businesses
Designing for Equity and Inclusion From the Start
California took an innovative "mesh network" approach by partnering diverse entities across categories"The intent was it would be collaborative...touching every industry from every corner of California" - Shalawn Garcia, California Office of the Small Business AdvocatePrograms focus on promoting capital readiness and access for all through targeted outreach
Meeting Stringent Reporting & Compliance Needs
Robust data tracking and customized systems ensure granular reporting to meet federal requirementsDetailed intake surveys capture business intel from the start to streamline compliance"We've been pleased with how easy it's been to modify systems for our specific process needs" - Don Calcote, Mississippi Small Business Development Center
Fueling the Engines of Entrepreneurial Growth
As the SSBCI 2.0 initiative expands access to capital, these states are pioneering inclusive models to clear the path for more diverse founders and businesses to thrive. Through innovative program design and strategic partnerships, they are unlocking entrepreneurial opportunities across America.
Connect with us to see how to design your state’s Technical Assistance program to be equitable, efficient and compliant. Book a call with our team to learn more: https://calendar.app.google/4rVfGh3uJzoP7uVm8
Connect with the Panel:
Shalawn Garcia - CaLOSBA
https://calosba.ca.gov/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalawngarciasmith/
shalawn.garcia@gobiz.ca.gov
Mary Kelly - Iowa EDA
https://www.iowaeda.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykellyy/
mary.kelly@iowaeda.com
Don Calcote - Mississippi SBDC 
https://www.mississippisbdc.org/
don@mississippisbdc.org 
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