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Impact Week TLH 2024: Young entrepreneurs are making their mark in Tallahassee

a man sitting behind a desk extends his hand for a handshake
Konstantin Postumitenko/Prostock-studio
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The annual Impact Week conference started Tuesday, Nov. 19, and will run throughout the week, ending on Friday. The event is sponsored by Florida A&M’s Small Business Development Center and Florida State’s College of Entrepreneurship.

Tuesday was the opening day of Impact Week.

This week, about two dozen local and state business owners—current and aspiring—are in Tallahassee for "Impact Week TLH 2024," a conference aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in the area.

Local entrepreneur and Impact Week’s co-founder Rich Smith said on Tuesday that it’s all about connecting investors with the next generation of young entrepreneurs.

“My goal is to ensure that attendees gain value from their participation, giving them access to essential resources that enable them to grow, innovate, and positively impact our local community," said Smith.

Tallahassee, FL— Hundreds of business owners are meeting in downtown Tallahassee at the Challenger Learning Center for Impact Week TLH 2024. November 19, 2024 (Adrian Andrews/WFSU)
Adrian Andrews
Tallahassee, FL— Hundreds of business owners are meeting in downtown Tallahassee at the Challenger Learning Center for Impact Week TLH 2024. November 19, 2024 (Adrian Andrews/WFSU)

The conference is being held in Tallahassee’s Downtown area, inside the Challenger Learning Center. The event, which is scheduled for November 18-22, is open to Florida State and Florida A&M University students, small businesses, and non-profits that want to learn more about what it means to start up and maintain a business.

"I was able to connect one of our new budding entrepreneurs with a lender in five minutes," said Pamela Johnson, a financial consultant with FAMU's Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

"Now, the two of them have connected and they are talking about opportunities to launch their new business."

There will be 20 financial literacy and marketing workshops happening throughout the week. Officials expect roughly 175 entrepreneurs to attend.

Friday is the last day to register.

Adrian Andrews is a multimedia journalist with WFSU Public Media. He is a Gadsden County native and a first-generation college graduate from Florida A&M University. Adrian is also a military veteran, ending his career as a Florida Army National Guard Non-Comissioned Officer.

Adrian has experience in print writing, digital content creation, documentary, and film production. He has spent the last four years on the staff of several award-winning publications such as The Famuan, Gadsden County News Corp, and Cumulus Media before joining the WFSU news team.