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Council highlights FairShare University graduates as city seeks to expand local contracting capacity
Summary
The Shreveport City Council heard presentations from Fair Share University participants and the program's director, Leon Wheeler, marking recent graduates and noting the program's role in preparing local small businesses to pursue city contracts.
The Shreveport City Council on April 7 recognized graduates of Fair Share University, a six-week business development program led by the city's Fair Share office intended to improve capacity among local small businesses seeking municipal contracts.
Leon Wheeler, Fair Share director, told the council the program trained "between 25 and 30 businesses" in a rigorous six-week course at Southern University. Several graduates described practical benefits: Amin Mohammed said his company, CEAC Services, does ground maintenance, epoxy flooring and post-construction cleanup, and that the program connected him with city procurement pathways. Leslie Gardner, a multi-business owner, said the program overcame her earlier skepticism and provided in-depth, useful instruction.
Other participants who addressed the council included Courtney Williams (God's Vision Graphics and Photography) and Carlo Suzz (Suzz Heating and Cooling), each praising program instructors and the practical guidance offered. Several speakers said the program led to concrete outcomes: some participants obtained full-time work, others refined compliance and procurement practices, and a few firms reported progress toward city contracting.
Craig Lee, who taught in the program, said the effort is part of a long effort to expand equity in contracting and build capacity in African American–owned firms. He and other speakers tied the training to the city's broader cultural and economic development aims.
Ending: Council members and the mayor were thanked by speakers for supporting the program. Council members asked staff to continue outreach and to bring back metrics on contracting wins connected to Fair Share University in future reports.
