Quarterly business roundtable showcases small business owners of color in Des Moines

Minority business owners and entrepreneurs gathered in Des Moines for the AON Meetings Minority Business Roundtable — an event designed to foster connection, share resources and support the growth of underrepresented businesses across Iowa. 

Hosted by Ken Chester Jr., moderator of AON Meetings Minority Business Roundtable and founder and CEO of TechMobility Inc., the roundtable is part of a quarterly series that brings together minority entrepreneurs to network and learn from one another. While most of the meetings are held virtually, the July session was the only in-person event of the year.

Chester said he was inspired to create the roundtable after recognizing a gap in resources for minority business owners.

“I felt led to start this roundtable because there wasn’t anything like it,” Chester said.

According to Chester, similar initiatives existed around 30 years ago, but eventually faded and went by the wayside. This left a gap that needed to be filled for small businesses owned by people of color.

The roundtable provides an opportunity to network, share ideas and connect with other local small businesses. There, they can also exchange resources that can help their businesses grow. While attendance varies, Chester says that attendees tend to find value in the experience.

“Those that attend find it helpful,” he said. “We’re trying to bring businesses together.” 

The July roundtable held on July 14, featured guest speaker Jeremiah Wright, founder of Get It Wright Fitness, who shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey. His message centered on mindset and personal accountability.

“The power of having a no-excuse mindset is key,” Wright said. “Shift your mindset from ‘Why is this happening to me?’ to ‘What can I do?’”

Wright also encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to take action even before they feel fully prepared.

“Start before you feel ready,” he said. “Commit to continuous learning, learn your craft and stay consistent.”

He added that events like the roundtable offer opportunities that extend beyond simple networking, helping business owners build meaningful connections and gain valuable knowledge.

The AON Meetings Minority Business Roundtable is held quarterly, with the next session scheduled to take place virtually in October. Chester said the events are open to participants nationwide and continue to serve as a platform for collaboration and growth among minority business owners.

For more information or to register for future roundtables, visit aonmeetings.com/roundtable.

Dwight Reed is the founder of AON Meetings.