Shared laughter, meaningful conversations and a deep appreciation for the community flowed through the Pit on Tuesday.
The fourth annual BIPOC Small Business event was the “brain child” of a first year student many years ago, and ever since, has been one of many capstone projects for second-year Event Planning students.
The event gives Black, Indigenous and people of colour the opportunity to showcase their small business in a community of emerging entrepreneurs.
About ten vendors and a DJ set up their table in a formation where students could smoothly flow from one to the next.
Sierra Campbell, a second-year Event Planning student said that even though the planning process was exciting, her favourite part was that “everyone was having a good time.”
Campbell and her classmates Brooke-Lynn McCarthy, Dontea Higgs and Shivam Chopra organized the event as their capstone project.
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) student chapter at Durham College (DC) was the host organization.
Many organizers and vendors said it was one of the best.
“This is probably one of my favourite years. The set-up is amazing, it’s very clean, there’s a great flow to it. The vendors are all here and the communication was right on par,” said Christine Baily, the program coordinator and faculty member in Event Planning.
Campbell agrees.
“I love the day of,” she said. “I want to see what we envisioned and what we planned come together at the end and see how successful it is. In my personal opinion, this was the best BIPOC that [Event Planning students] have had.”
The setup gave students the chance to speak with each vendor and learn about what it is like to be a small business owner.
“We’re seeing so many conversations happening with the vendors and we’re seeing students learning new things,” said Cynthia Moorcroft, also an Event Planning faculty member.
The event was funded by the program but students worked hard to get sponsors and help from the DC Alumni Association.
Vendors were grateful to be able to showcase their business and the craft they love.
‘With These 2 Hands’ was a vendor at the event and is owned by a mother and daughter.
“I feel so validated when I finish a piece that it truly is a labour of love,” said Michelle.
They sell items such as hats, bags and clothing that have been crocheted or sewn.
Owning a small business means more than selling products.
“It kind of means everything. We can both be creative together and share these experiences together. You don’t always have so long with your parents so to be able to take certain situations and make it meaningful, it means everything,” said Kiara.