WS Chronicle

For the past eight years Reginald McCaskill, founder and owner of Maximum Enterprises, has made it his goal to help local entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed and build relationships with their peers and consumers with the Triad Minority & Women’s Business Expo. It’s safe to say McCaskill is still hitting his mark. This year the event spanned over two days, two cities, featured several different workshops for business owners, all free of charge, and included nearly 100 different vendors. 

McCaskill said he is excited to see the event grow, but he’s even more excited for the business owners. 

“I’m more excited for our businesses, especially with us being in a pandemic,” McCaskill said. “From what I’ve seen, businesses have not just laid down. 

“We know it’s been difficult for a lot of them and our goal with the Triad Minority Business Expo and Maximum Enterprises is to ensure that these business owners know they have resources and outlets … and it goes beyond the Expo because of the classes and workshops to make sure their businesses stay relevant.” 

The 8th Annual Triad Minority & Women’s Expo began on Friday, Aug. 27, with The Empowerment and Wealth Building Summit. The virtual event featured workshops on several different topics including “Understanding the Numbers of Your Business,” “Networking Strategies,” and “Bank on Your Success: Growing Your Business.” There was also an awards ceremony where business owners and entrepreneurs from Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem received awards for Business of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Pioneer Award. 

The Expo on Saturday was held in two different locations: in Winston-Salem at The Enterprise Conference and Event Center, and in Greensboro at The Khalifa Event Center. 

According to McCaskill, there were about 45 vendors at both locations and 10 interacting virtually. McCaskill said he wanted to expand the event to let entrepreneurs in other areas of the Triad know that they’re here for them too. 

“We wanted to be inclusive to all the areas in the Triad,” McCaskill said. “It was important for us to let people know in Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem, that we are there.” 

There were several vendors at The Enterprise Center who were attending the Expo for the first time, like Gwen Davis, owner of Mrs. G’s Gourmet Cheese Straws. Davis said she had doubts about signing up at first, but she’s glad that she did. 

“I usually don’t come to events like this, but I have really enjoyed it,” Davis said. “What I’ve enjoyed most is that it’s given me an opportunity to meet other business owners in the area.” 

Several business owners took to social media to talk about their experience at the Expo. Melanie Edwards, president and CEO of Camel Consulting LLC, wrote, “I really enjoyed the 8th Annual Triad Minority & Women’s Business Expo. Although I now live in Atlanta, Winston-Salem is my hometown and this was great exposure for my business since I serve clients nationwide. 

“I made really great connections that I am confident will turn into future contracts … thank you Mr. Reginald McCaskill for this opportunity. I WILL be back!” 

Although he just wrapped up this year’s event, McCaskill is already planning for next year. The 9th Annual Triad Minority & Women’s Business Expo is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 in Greensboro and Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 in Winston-Salem. 

For more information on the Triad Minority and Women’s Business Expo visit https://triadminoritybusinessexpo.com/ or  “Triad Minority Business Expo” on Facebook.