What's Next Seminar Series - Fall 2025
What's Next Seminar Series - Fall 2025
This six-session series (five virtual and one in-person) is designed to help business owners reach the next stage of business growth. If you have customers, revenue, and a desire to grow — this is What’s Next!
Hosted by the Business Diversity and Inclusion division of Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development.
Disclaimer: You are participating in a public event sponsored by Mecklenburg County, where pictures will be taken. The County reserves the right to use any photograph or video taken at any event sponsored by the County to support Mecklenburg County business and services. By participating, you agree that any picture or likeness taken of you during the event may be used at the discretion of the County for that purpose.
Sales and Marketing: Driving Growth and Visibility
Facilitator: Dr. JD Shelby- Lucas
Your sales and marketing efforts should work hand in hand to fuel business growth. This session will teach you how to align these functions, create go-to strategies, and optimize your efforts for maximum impact. Learn how to attract the right customers, close more deals, and position your business to thrive at scale.
Upcoming Events
Planning for Growth: Building a Roadmap to Scale Your Business
Facilitator: LuAnn Berry
Scaling doesn’t happen by accident — it starts with a plan. In this virtual session, you will identify actionable steps to grow your business with intention. Learn how to assess where you are now, define what growth looks like for your business, and create a roadmap that sets you up for sustainable success.
Scaling Operations: Integrating AI Into Your Business
Panelists: Marsha Smith, Candace Burns (more TBD)
From streamlining operations to boosting productivity, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way businesses grow. Hear from experts in this virtual panel discussion to discover how entrepreneurs are using AI tools to save time, cut costs, and scale smarter. Walk away with practical ideas you can put to work in your own business today.
Hiring for the Long Haul: Building a Team That Grows With You
Facilitator: Calista Phair
Scaling requires people — but not just any people. In this session, you will learn how to identify your hiring needs, craft job descriptions that attract the right candidates, and match talent to roles that strengthen your team. Discover how to build a culture that retains great employees and supports long-term growth.
Funding for Growth- Fueling Your Next Stage of Success
Facilitator: Janelly Rosales
Every scaling journey requires resources. This session will show you how to monitor and interpret the financial health of your business, while exploring funding options to support expansion. Whether you’re considering loans, investors, or alternative financing, you will gain clarity on how to fund your growth wisely.
Tales of Growth: Learning from Entrepreneurs Who Have Scaled (In-Person)
Panelists: James Smith, Dr. LaShana Wiggs, Felicia Cordray, Kenny Hill (more TBD)
What does it really take to shift from working in your business to working on your business? In this in-person networking event, you will hear directly from entrepreneurs who have been there, as they share their stories, challenges and lessons learned on the path to scaling. Connect, learn and be inspired.