Sheletta Brundidge (right) at Black Entrepreneur Day in 2023.
For the second year in a row, local media personality Sheletta Brundidge is bringing Black Entrepreneurs Day to the Capitol to connect Black-owned businesses with legislators.
The Feb. 16 event is open to Black business owners and their allies. Starting at 11:30 a.m., the day will open with a rally in the Capitol’s rotunda where Black entrepreneurs will speak about what’s needed to dismantle historic barriers they face. At noon, participants will meet with legislators, followed by lunch in the vault at 2 p.m.
Brundidge is presenting the event through her own business and podcasting platform, ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.
The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Capitol, Comcast, Northwestern Mutual, AARP Minnesota, Clear Channel Outdoors, and Clockwork. Registered entrepreneurs will also be entered into a raffle to win a $5,000 grant. Those wishing to participate in the event can register online.
In a news release, Brundidge said that Black Entrepreneurs Day is a bipartisan event. Elected speakers include Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. State representatives and senators from both parties also plan to attend.
Brundidge held the inaugural Black Entrepreneurs Day last year, bringing about 400 entrepreneurs to the Capitol. Brundidge said she expects more will attend this year.
