Philadelphia welcomed an impactful two-day event that focused on inspiring and bringing economic restoration and prosperity to the City Of Brotherly Love.
“Operation Ten City: Greatness Unlocked In Philadelphia” was recently held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center that featured youth and adult-focused events as part of OTC campaign leader Dr. Bill Winston’s vision to close the wealth gap in Black and brown communities.
With a strong focus on entrepreneurship and ownership, OTC has set out 10 city stops that began in 2022.
So far, Philadelphia marked the campaign’s fifth stop, where they dedicated a weekend of workshops centered around entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and wealth creation.
A big excitement for many entrepreneurs was the ‘Business Pitch Competition,’ which provided participants with a chance to showcase their business goals and win $10,000.
In addition to the business-focused workshops, a food giveaway of over 1,000 meals, gas cards, SEPTA cards, and brand-new clothing was also donated to local families in need.
On top of donations, OTC helped provide various Philadelphians with top resources surrounding expungement in partnership with REFORM Alliance and Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity.
This partnership connected some attendees with attorneys to gain legal advice to get gainfully employed after being rehabilitated back as a member of society.
Participants were also able to learn more at OTC’s Business ‘Opportunity Expo & Career Fair,’ which connected many with vital resources and access-to-capital opportunities.
Dr. Deloris Thomas of the Joseph Business School and OTC Philadelphia explains that the event’s mission goes way beyond helping on a temporary basis but instead transforming individuals within.
“Operation Ten City and Unlocking Greatness is about how do you start where you are and with the accelerant of both your own potential, coupled with faith and possibilities; how do we unlock that greatness for (attendees) within this two-day event?” Thomas stated as the campaign’s driven mission to accomplish within 48 hours.
Another component of OTC is its focus on youth, which displayed that commitment during the event’s ‘Youthpreneur Summit.’
This portion of the two-day campaign event featured an interactive, half-day entrepreneurship workshop that invited 2,000 Philadelphia middle and high school students.
College scholarships were also awarded to some students as an opportunity to attend the accredited Joesph Business School in Illinois.
Guest speakers included former Philadelphia Eagles safety and entrepreneur Rodney McLeod, local radio host DJ Diamond Kuts, teen founder Trey Brown of the Philadelphia-based streetwear SPERGO® and media personality Quincy Harris.
Panel discussions included topics such as how to formulate a plan to start and maintain a business, leveraging social media for the advancement of your professional career, and even using your influence for the greater good.
Local entrepreneur Dr. Angela Pipersburgh of The Kingdom Chamber of Commerce partnered with OTC during Philadelphia’s event to help guide inspiring entrepreneurs who may lack the resources or faith-based support in order to succeed.
“It’s all about supporting and helping entrepreneurs really walk into the fullness of what God has for them,” she said. “In the areas of their wealth fulfilling purpose and understanding, there is a gift inside each and every one of us.”
Operation Ten City: Greatness Unlocked will make stops in more metropolitan areas across the U.S. through the summer of 2024.
