Description

Join us for Ask the Experts How to Take Black-Owned Businesses to the Next Level.

Unleashing Investor Support: Discover key insights to fuel your business growth as our speakers delve into the information banks and private investors seek to support your success.

Crafting Success: Learn about the vital role of business plans and how to maximize available resources. 

Strategic Prowess: Get ready for expansion by understanding the ins and outs of incorporating and organizing your business. Our experts will guide you on leveraging key relationships and securing those crucial first contracts.

Keynote: Cleveland Brownlee - District Operations Manager Southwestern Ontario - TBBC London Inc. 

Panelists:

• Broderick Nevison - Mobile Mortgage Advisor - Ontario Region - CIBC 
• Richard McKenzie - Director -Corporate Finance - BMO Bank
• Mark McAuley - Partner - Lerners 

Cleveland Brownlee is the general manager of The Better Bin Company, a sister company of Try Recycling, and the designated hitter with the London Majors.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he came to London in 2010 to play for the Majors. He took The Better Bin Company from a London-based startup to a regional enterprise servicing a coverage area spanning from Sarnia to Guelph. Actively involved with a lengthy list of community organizations, he puts in countless volunteering hours in his adopted hometown, lending his energy to help motivate and inspire people to work together. In 2019, he was the recipient of the President’s Award from the London Home Builders’ Association. 

Mark McAuley is an Associate in the Business Law Group at Lerners LLP's London office, where his practice focuses on representing both public and private companies. He specializes in corporate and commercial law, with a particular emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, corporate finance, and general corporate matters.

Mark's dedication to working with growth-oriented clients and professional corporations reflects his passion for fostering business development and innovation. He has a profound interest in entrepreneurship, technology, and the arts and entertainment sector. This passion drives him to provide practical and actionable advice to both emerging business and established companies, aiming to bridge the gap between legal guidance and business success.

Mark completed his JD at Western University where he was the Valedictorian of his graduating class. During his time at Western, he was engaged in the student community as an executive of the Student Legal Society and as president of the Western Chapter of the Black Law Students Association. Currently, he contributes his insights and leadership to the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee at Lerners, advocating for equity within the legal profession.

Before his legal career, Mark made his mark in the music industry, performing with the Juno-nominated McAuley Boys and as a solo act under the name Mac Graham. His artistic achievements were recognized with the receipt of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for community involvement and contributions and a 2023 induction into the London Music Hall of Fame.

Richard McKenzie

Richard is a seasoned business development and finance professional with a diverse background in Commercial Banking, Investment Banking, and Head Office Operations.

His passion is to be a value-added partner to entrepreneurs providing advice and tailored financing solutions to achieve their vision. He also seeks opportunities to bring together his extensive network to further support business owners professionally and personally.