Urban Social Enterprise
Urban social enterprises address an array of issues facing communities of need. Kwaku Osei is in the heart of Detroit – addressing food deserts. Join the discussion…
At this special Thanksgiving 1 Million Cups, Kwaku Osei will join Dale Fickett and give thanks for businesses that intentionally benefit our under-resourced neighborhoods.
Kwaku Osei is Co-Founder & CEO of Farmacy Food and Cooperative Capital. Farmacy Food is a social venture addressing food deserts in Detroit, MI. Cooperative Capital is a private equity fund for community investments. Both are based in Detroit. Cooperative Capital has a planned launch in Richmond. Osei comments – “We continually stand on the front line of food injustice, and the issues of marginalization. Farmacy Food and Cooperative Capital are social enterprises that address the root of these issues, and deliver sustainable, market-based solutions. We’re thankful for the opportunity to engage Richmond, and increase our impact.”
Dale Fickett, President & CEO of RVA Works – “Our mission is to help people overcome social and economic barriers to business ownership. Through a network of volunteers and national partners, we’re serving an array of entrepreneurs as they create new businesses. We’re grateful that the University of Richmond and 1 Million Cups provide us the opportunity to serve people working towards a more inclusive, vibrant economy.”
The Discussion. 1 Million Cups is a national entrepreneurship program of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which promotes peer learning and professional connections that assist entrepreneurs. Since 2014, 1 Million Cups - Richmond has been pioneered by RVA Works, a local nonprofit providing educational and financial services for new business owners. At each 1 Million Cups, business founders as guest speakers share about their ventures and discuss the challenges that they are facing during the development process. Participants can learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights and make connections within an audience of peer entrepreneurs.
The Better Business Bureau is hosting this special 1 Million cups. BBB is a membership-based nonprofit providing business accreditation services. Since 1912, BBB has helped people make smarter buying decisions, and advocates for consumer protection. Over 400,000 accredited business meet BBB’s standards. Barry F. Moore, President & CEO of the Central Virginia, BBB – “At BBB we are in the business of building trust, trusted businesses where people are safe. At this time of year, we give thanks for the businesses that are working hard to give back, by serving people facing significant challenges.”
Logistics. Meet entrepreneurs, learn from peers, contribute to the conversation:
- Wednesday November 23rd
- 8:30am EST - Coffee & Connection
- 9:00 - 10:00am EST - Presentation & Discussion
Better Business Bureau
100 Eastshore Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23059
(804)648-0016
