Genesis Block to host “Conversation to Contracts” event for diverse businesses
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Genesis Block will host its “Conversation to Contracts” (C2C) event on February 26, 2025, at Union Station at CFCC. The event aims to connect diverse-owned businesses with clients, partners, and resources to foster business growth in the region.
Genesis Block co-founders Tracy and Gerard Newkirk shared details of the upcoming event, which will feature two key components: a tradeshow and a series of workshop sessions.
The tradeshow, which will be open to the public from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, provides an opportunity for attendees to explore new products and services and network with potential partners. “We really encourage everybody to come out because it’s an opportunity to support the local businesses in your community,” said Tracy Newkirk. “We call them our neighborhood community entrepreneurs.”
Following the tradeshow, four interactive workshop sessions will be held from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, focusing on essential topics for business growth. These workshops include sessions on doing business with the City of Wilmington, QuickBooks for tax season, strategies for closing deals, and how staffing companies can help grow small businesses.
Genesis Block says the C2C event is especially beneficial for diverse-owned businesses seeking to expand their presence in the local economy. “Business networking and connectivity and relationship building is important to building your business,” Gerard Newkirk said. “This gives diverse-owned businesses an opportunity to have a direct touch point with some of the largest businesses in the community, some of the largest organizations, some of the largest employers.”
For those interested in participating, Friday marks the last day to register for a booth or sign up for workshops here. Tracy Newkirk emphasized the low entry point for businesses to showcase their products and services. “So we’re very inclusive to everyone, especially diverse-owned businesses, so a very low entry point to get in to showcase their business.”
The event also aligns with Genesis Block’s mission to support entrepreneurship, especially in underserved communities. “This ties in directly,” Gerard Newkirk said. “It gives everyone access to be a part of a local economy.”
Genesis Block recently received recognition for its efforts, with Tracy and Gerard Newkirk being invited to the Governor’s Mansion for an event honoring Black entrepreneurs.
“We were invited to participate in the Governor Josh Stein and the Black Leadership Caucus’ Black History Month event, and they honored black entrepreneurs,” Tracey Newkirk said. “We were invited to participate and was in the room with some amazing black entrepreneur leaders in our state.”
The “Conversation to Contracts” event will be held on February 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Union Station at CFCC, 502 N Front St, Wilmington, NC. Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to register in advance here.
