Fayetteville Empowers Next Generation at Thriving Business Summit

Today, Fayetteville buzzed with energy as the 2nd Next Generation Business Summit, a collaborative effort between the Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission and Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), drew a diverse crowd of aspiring professionals, entrepreneurs, and established business leaders. Held at FTCC’s Horace Sisk Gymnasium, the free event delivered valuable insights aimed at fueling career advancement, fostering business innovation, and stimulating economic growth within the community.

Attendees benefited from two insightful sessions. The morning session, "How Did You Get That Career," provided a platform for professionals from various sectors to share their unique career trajectories. They offered practical guidance, openly discussed the challenges they encountered, and highlighted the pivotal lessons that shaped their success. The ensuing question-and-answer period allowed attendees to directly engage with the speakers, gaining actionable advice on navigating industry trends and building sustainable careers.

The afternoon session, "Next Gen Entrepreneur and Innovation Panel," delved into the dynamic interplay between entrepreneurial ventures and innovative thinking. Experienced panelists, who have successfully built thriving careers and businesses while driving significant change, shared their firsthand accounts of launching and scaling their enterprises. They discussed effective strategies for overcoming obstacles and underscored the critical need for adaptability in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

"It was great to see the community coming together," remarked Karis Childs, a participant at the summit, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event.

Nathan Cuffee, chair of the advisory commission, emphasized the summit's purpose, stating, "This is a fantastic chance for individuals to acquire the necessary tools for continued professional development right here in our community. We're seeing next-generation thinking lead to next-level achievements!"

L'queitah Miller, Vice Chair of the Fayetteville Next Commission, shared her personal motivation, stating, "My favorite part is giving back. Making a difference." Her words underscored the commission's commitment to positively impacting the lives of Fayetteville's young professionals.

Attendees who registered for and attended the summit received a special thank you: a complimentary ticket to tonight's Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball game, along with an exclusive opportunity to purchase a discounted ticket for a guest. These tokens of appreciation were available for collection at the event check-in. A complimentary lunch further enhanced the experience for all participants.

The Next Gen Business Summit proved to be a significant networking hub, connecting ambitious young professionals with seasoned business owners and like-minded peers. Whether attendees were seeking to launch their careers, expand their businesses, or simply forge valuable connections, the summit provided an invaluable opportunity.

Spearheaded by the Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission, an organization dedicated to attracting, retaining, and engaging Fayetteville residents aged 23 to 39, the summit exemplifies the commission's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for young adults. Through targeted initiatives, the commission aims to establish Fayetteville as a premier destination for young professionals to live, work, and enjoy recreational activities.

For more information about the Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission and its ongoing efforts, please visit FayettevilleNC.gov/FayNext.