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Shreveport recognizes FairShare small-business training graduates; entrepreneurs describe program's impact
Summary
Council members and program graduates praised the FairShare business development program. Director Leon Wheeler and several local entrepreneurs described a six-week course the city ran with Southern University and credited it with improving business capacity and helping participants win contracts and jobs.
The Shreveport City Council on April 7 recognized graduates of the city's FairShare business development program, and several participants spoke to the council about how the six-week course helped their companies.
Leon Wheeler, director of FairShare, said the program trained 25 to 30 local businesses at a rigorous pace and aimed to build capacity for small firms seeking city contracts. Participants described sessions held at Southern University that covered procurement, compliance and business operations.
Amin Mohammed, owner of CX Services, told the council the training helped his firm refine services that include grounds maintenance, epoxy flooring and post-construction cleanup. Leslie Gardner, owner of multiple businesses including a carpet-cleaning and demolition company, said the program's instructors and staff provided "mind-blowing" value and practical support for seeking city work. Several other graduates, including Carlo Suzz of Sudds Heating and Cooling, Courtney Williams of God's Vision Graphics and Sharon Johnson (floral design and Rose Parade participation), said the program refreshed business skills and flagged compliance issues they corrected.
Craig Lee, who led instruction in the program, and long-time civil-rights and procurement advocate, praised Leon Wheeler and said the FairShare university is focused on building capacity for African American firms and other local entrepreneurs. Wheeler and council members said the program is part of a broader city effort to increase local contracting opportunities.
Council members thanked the graduates and urged departments to engage FairShare businesses when contracting. No formal vote was required for the recognition and the council did not adopt binding policy during the presentation.
