April 18, 2024
7:15 AM - 8:15 AM
2024 MBE Connect Summit Check-In and Hosted Breakfast
Once checked in, registered guests are invited to enjoy a hosted breakfast.
April 18, 2024
8:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Day 2 Opening Remarks
The 2024 MBE Connect Summit commences with remarks delivered by our invited guests and dignitaries. Please visit our speakers page for detailed information about each of them.
April 18, 2024
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Day 2 Matchmaking, First Sessions
Curated matchmaking meetings between registered guests and invited companies and/or agencies. Summit organizers will contact registered guests to schedule their meetings.
April 18, 2024
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Panel 5: California Utilities: Procurement Plans, Policies and the Impact on Diverse Suppliers
California utilities lead the nation in commitments to spending with diverse business enterprises. With over $14 billion spent with MBEs, WBEs, SBEs & DBEs in 2023, California’s regulated utilities show no signs of a lagging commitment. In this session we will hear from senior leaders about how the procurement policies support their plans for industry growth.
April 18, 2024
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
JUSTICE40 WORKSHOP: Branding & Marketing to Work with Government
The workshop "Branding for Social Impact: Aligning Your Organization with the Justice 40 Vision" is designed to empower organizations in the energy sector to enhance their brand identity, reflecting their dedication to social and environmental justice. This expert-led session will provide participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively align their branding with the transformative goals of the Justice 40 Initiative. Attendees will engage in practical exercises to articulate their brand's mission, vision, and values, analyze their target audience, and develop compelling narratives that highlight their contributions to justice. The workshop will also cover strategies for maximizing digital engagement and leveraging partnerships to extend brand reach and credibility. With hands-on activities, personalized feedback sessions, and resource sharing, participants will leave with a blueprint for branding success, poised to attract new opportunities and partnerships, especially in government contracts. This interactive workshop is a critical step for companies seeking to integrate impactful branding with their social impact objectives.
April 18, 2024
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Panel 6: Private Sector Opportunities and Access to Capital
Access to capital for companies who are in the process of growth and scaling can be a significant obstacle along the entrepreneurial journey. Also, the cost of capital can act as a barrier for companies to become competitive when pursuing larger multi-year capital projects. We will hear from private sector prime contractors, financial institutions and government funded business development agencies, including how utility companies employ unique and innovative solutions that can assist DBEs access the financial resources they need to put forth a competitive bid proposal and to secure those next level contracts.
April 18, 2024
10:00 AM - 10:45 PM
JUSTICE40 WORKSHOP: Application Insights for Utilities & Regulators
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act -IIJA) and other initiatives are resulting in an unprecedented opportunities for infrastructure investment and clean energy into the US economy. And the inclusion of Executive Order 14008 means that Justice40 is a key component of the successful applications and animation of this funding. This is especially seismic for utility companies, which are seeing their first real opportunity to apply for Federal funds.
In this session we will take a deep dive look into Justice40 as it applies to Department of Energy funding opportunities and best practices for Community Benefits Plan. This session is a unique opportunity for every utility to access vital insights on this important component of the funding opportunities.
April 18, 2024
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Panel 7: Technical Assistance and Access To Capital
There are significant Federally and state supported resources designed to assist entrepreneurial enterprises avoid growing pains and access traditional and non-traditional resources for scale up. We will hear from our convenors at the MBDA and their peers about the expertise and guidance available to help enterprises in the West and beyond.
April 18, 2024
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Keynote Address: George Pla, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Cordoba Corporation
George L. Pla is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and author whose business and civic activities focus on enhancing and empowering communities throughout California. He is the founder, president and CEO of Cordoba Corporation, a nationally recognized civil engineering, program and construction management firm specializing in transportation, education, and water and energy infrastructure.
April 18, 2024
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
JUSTICE40 WORKSHOP: US Patent & Trademark Office Intellectual Property Insights
As technology advances, especially in clean energy innovation, the need for clear and strategic planning for intellectual property, patent, and trademark considerations becomes increasingly important for entrepreneurs. In this session we’ll hear insights directly from the source – the US Patent and Trademark Office.
April 18, 2024
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Day 2 Matchmaking, Second Sessions
Curated matchmaking meetings between registered guests and invited companies and/or agencies. Summit organizers will contact registered guests to schedule their meetings.
April 18, 2024
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
Panel 8: Prime Teaming: Prime Timing Primes (Subcontractor Recruitment Strategies)
Driven by their own strong commitment and need for an expanded pool of diverse business enterprises, we will hear from several large Prime Contractors how they solicit, secure and work closely with qualified MBEs/DBEs on large and small contract projects. This includes subcontractor development training programs to assist targeted contractors to build capacity and further develop their business infrastructures to become contract ready prime time contractors!
April 18, 2024
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
JUSTICE40 WORKSHOP: Application Insights for MBEs
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - IIJA) and other initiatives are resulting in an unprecedented opportunities for infrastructure investment and clean energy into the US economy. And the inclusion of Executive Order 14008 means that Justice40 means that opportunities are expanding for diverse business enterprises as well as community based organizations and minority serving institutions (MSIs).
In this session we will look at how Justice40 applies to MBEs, especially when it pertains to Department of Energy funding opportunities. We’ll hear directly from the experts on how to think about leveraging the opportunities presented by Justice40 to open doors for consideration by Federal, state, utility, and primes as purchasers.
April 18, 2024
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
JUSTICE40 OPEN OFFICE HOURS
An opportunity to speak with members of the Department of Energy and National Utilities Diversity Council about the topics and questions that concern your organization.
