Aprio’s Black Business Forum Partners with The Gathering Spot to Boost Black Entrepreneurs

Aprio’s Black Business Forum has announced a strategic partnership with The Gathering Spot (TGS), marking a significant step in their shared commitment to supporting Black business owners and entrepreneurs in Atlanta. This collaboration will see Aprio hosting its future Black Business Forum events at TGS’s premier private event space, symbolizing a concerted effort to cultivate a thriving community of innovators and leaders.

Angela Dotson, co-chair of the Black Business Forum and leader of Aprio’s professional services tax team, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community in fostering business success. “Uniting with The Gathering Spot reflects our core belief in the power of community to create new growth avenues for Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta,” she stated.

The Black Business Forum at Aprio is designed to drive growth and provide essential resources to minority executives. Offering access to capital, strategic advice, and a platform for knowledge-sharing, the forum is an invaluable asset for business owners aiming to navigate the complexities of their industries successfully.

The Gathering Spot, co-founded by Ryan Wilson and TK Petersen, operates as a unique, members-only business and social club. It caters to ambitious professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives looking for a collaborative and innovative environment distinct from traditional settings like city clubs or co-working spaces.

Ryan Wilson, CEO of The Gathering Spot, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are excited to work alongside Aprio’s Black Business Forum to nurture and empower the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. This partnership will foster an environment ripe for innovation and collaboration.”

The first major event under this new partnership, titled “Scaling Atlanta: Learn from Business Legends, Elevate Your Enterprise,” is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024, at The Gathering Spot. This premiere event promises to provide attendees with insights and strategies from some of Atlanta’s most successful business leaders, covering topics from business expansion to brand development.

Featured Panelists Include:

• Mack Wilbourn, Owner and President of Mack II, Inc., renowned for his influence in the quick-service restaurant industry and his philanthropic efforts through the Mack Wilbourn Legacy Foundation.
• Jerome Russell, President of H.J. Russell & Company, with over 25 years in the beverage distribution and real estate sectors, and chairman of the Herman J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship.
• Ira Moreland, Managing Director at ICV Partners, LLC, noted for his extensive financial expertise and community involvement, including board positions at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation.
• Farrah Allen, CEO of The Labz, celebrated for her pioneering software solutions serving major clients like Google and Delta, and named Georgia Minority Technology Business of the Year 2023.

This partnership between Aprio’s Black Business Forum and The Gathering Spot is poised to transform the landscape for Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta, offering unprecedented opportunities for connection, growth, and success.

For more information and to register for the event, visit Aprio’s website and take the next step in elevating your business journey.