Duo partners with New Venture Accelerator to host Black History Month events

Two entrepreneurial businesswomen living in the Auburn area who refer to themselves as “The Duo Partnership” have another way of jokingly describing their relationship: “We’re two boss ladies, working together,” they say with a laugh.

Now, with an eye toward recognizing Black History Month in February, that duo is teaming up again. This time with the goal of inspiring more business dreamers in the local black community to do as they have and seek Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator for help in turning ideas into jobs.

Valarie Canady, known more affectionally by her customers as Grandma Val, started her own lemonade business that has since branched out into a client base that includes a wide variety of venues.

Danielle Moore, who goes by Dani, did likewise with the launch of Dani’s Cheesecakes.

Auburn’s New Venture Accelerator (NVA), under the Harbert College of Business umbrella, played a critical role in helping the two women become true entrepreneurs, and now they are together again. Canady and Moore each plan to host a February event at the NVA in hopes of encouraging more entrepreneurship among those with ideas but not the know-how in starting a business; especially in the black community in which they and NVA leaders feel is ripe for new opportunities.

“It’s not easy,” Canady said, referring to the many seemingly daunting tasks involved in successfully starting a new business and, equally important, not becoming discouraged “and not giving up.”

That’s what the NVA is all about, said program manager Ayshia Green-Calloway, who praised the women for a desire to encourage others with ideas to take action, and for their own success as an example.

“They can talk about how the New Venture Accelerator helped them, the challenges and rewards of starting a business, and what we all go through in starting a business,” she said.

The NVA helps by providing accepted applicants a variety of on-campus mentorships and workshops with business experts, marketing advice, insight on taxes and licenses, networking opportunities, and often a space or office in which to get started.

“The black population is the second highest in our local demographics, but it is one of the lowest in growing new businesses,” Green-Calloway said. “We want to push that up a bit. Val and Dani thought it would be great putting their events together, but also something that would be good for the community, especially during Black History Month.”

Encouragement, especially in taking action to get started, is one of the most important aspects in crossing the barrier of hesitancy in pursuing an entrepreneurial idea, she said, and that’s why the NVA and success stories such as Grandma Val’s and Dani’s Cheesecakes are so helpful.

Moore agreed. “Just getting people in the room is the first goal. Then getting them to listen and believe,” she said. “I don’t have all the answers for everything, and I sure didn’t when I started Dani’s Cheesecakes, but there are so many ways the NVA can help; and how we can all help each other if we work together.”

The NVA is co-sponsoring the events and providing the venue at its location, 540 Devall Drive, Auburn.

“These are their events,” Green-Calloway said, “and we at the NVA are supporting them. We will be there handing out information on the NVA, how to become entrepreneurs, promoting networking, and whatever else we can do to encourage those who have business ideas they might want to talk about.”

Encouraging more diversity in economic opportunity also is important, she said. “In the African American community, one of the things you see is the coming together of one another to help each other. We’re hoping to see that with these events.”

The events

Hosts: Grandma Val’s Lemonade/NVA

Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Grandma Val’s mid-day event at the New Venture Accelerator will serve to showcase and support black business owners while promoting NVA resources.

Potential NVA participants include: Eula Mae’s, Dani’s Cheesecakes, Joyful Skincare, Roasted Wright, Holloway Barbecue, Good Treats, and Delicacies and Delights by Diane.

It is informal and open to the public.

Hosts: Dani’s Cheesecakes/NVA

Saturday, Feb. 10, 6-10 p.m.

The more formal evening event hosted by Dani’s Cheesecakes will have limited seating and requires reservations made in advance.

Its objective is to show young professionals and potential entrepreneurs the products and services that are available to them at the NVA, and how to connect with others who can help.

A cocktail hour, dinner, entertainment, and games are planned, along with live music.

*****

Contact information:

Valarie Canady:  admin@gmavalslemonade.com

Danielle Moore:  daniellemoore@thedanicheesecake.com

Ayshia Green-Calloway:  greenay@auburn.edu