The Black Student Union and Thomas H. Albinson II School of Business are hosting a unique event Friday to bring entrepreneurs and business professionals together for a day of networking and learning with students.

Laurie Goux, director of the Center for Cultural and International Affairs, said this expo has three goals.

“First,  to create a directory of black-owned businesses in West Virginia, across the United States and globally,” she continued. “The second goal is to inspire an entrepreneurial mindset in students pursuing business careers. Third, to educate all business students on issues that affect minority-owned businesses.”

All events will be held in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts and are open to the public.

The winner of the business entrepreneur contest will be announced. Over the past week, WVWC students have had the opportunity to submit their idea for a business and the chance to win $500 toward their project.

Lunch and Learn at noon will be served by Aladdin Catering. Student vendors will set up from noon-1 p.m.  Sample “Gabby Bakes” sweet potato pie, Paula Kaufman, poet, visual artist and educator will share her artwork and present on African American Foodways.

From 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a discussion panel organized by the Thomas H. Albinson II School of Business. Beginning at 3 p.m., there will be various business professionals sharing about an “Entrepreneurial Mindset” via Zoom. An in-person book club discussion panel will be held from 4-5 p.m. with Shawn Rochester, author of The Black Tax, who will join by Zoom.

The event will culminate from 5-6 p.m., with a presentation on House music and entertainment brought by WVWC students.