Join us Monday, May 4th for the 2nd annual Scaling Smart: Systems|Customers|Growth Summit presented by the South Piedmont Community College Small Business Center, the Union County Chamber of Commerce, and the Women's Business Center of Charlotte.

This summit is for you if you are seeking ways to scale your business. Come out and learn from our expert panel of presenters how to work more efficiently and grow your business intentionally. This powerful one-day summit is designed specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level.

What to Expect:

• Targeted presentations that get straight to the heart of what your business needs to thrive.
• Actionable insights on AI- Automation , customer expectations, behaviors , and more.
• Networking opportunities with other business owners and resource partners who can help you move forward.
• An empowering atmosphere focused on growth, connection, and clarity.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

May 4th, 2026, 9am - 3pm

Secure your spot today so you can start scaling smart tomorrow!

FEATURED SESSIONS



• AI-POWERED MARKETING: WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER
• FIRESIDE CHAT: WHAT IT TAKES TO HIRE
• FUELING GROWTH: UNLOCKING CAPITAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS
• Download the full agenda



MEET THE SPEAKERS

Wilmenia Gripper is passionate about empowering communities, helping entrepreneurs and nonprofits harness the power of AI and digital tools to drive growth and creating lasting impact. As the founder of 1,2,3 JUMP and a leader in technology education, she brings over 20 years of experience helping organizations work smarter and serve better.

Wilmenia specializes in simplifying complex technology strategies, making digital transformation accessible to small businesses and mission-driven organizations. Through her work, she equips leaders with the tools to streamline operations, expand their reach, and create sustainable change.

She believes that when technology and purpose are combined, communities flourish—and she is dedicated to helping organizations make that vision a reality.

Nikki Pounds is an accomplished business executive, TEDx speaker, award winning author of the book, The Leader Who CARES: Guiding Human Resources Practitioner to Guide Workplace Environments, 2024 NC HR Professional of the Year, and proud CEO of HR Unequivocally®.

HR Unequivocally^® partners with organizations to craft growth strategies encompassing talent management, leadership development, and culture enhancement through equity and inclusion initiatives. 

As a certified John Maxwell Team coach and speaker, she brings a wealth of knowledge to businesses. Nikki holds certifications in Emotional Intelligence EQ-i 2.0 and EQ360, Wiley’s Everything DiSC^® partner, Crucial Conversations, CliftonStrengths (Gallup StrengthsFinder), Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and Civil Treatment – Diversity and Inclusion for Managers and Employees, Domestic and International versions.

 Nikki takes pride in empowering individuals to achieve and often exceed their goals by providing essential training, support, and guidance. Her extensive experience and diverse skill set make her a valuable asset in Human Resources, leadership development, and culture enhancement.

Carolina Aponte is a nationally recognized Fractional CFO, speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience helping business owners scale sustainably and profitably. As the founder of Caja Holdings, Carolina provides outsourced accounting and CFO services to companies across multiple industries, helping leaders understand their numbers, improve cash flow, and make strategic financial decisions with confidence.

With a unique ability to bridge financial strategy with real-world business operations, Carolina has guided hundreds of business owners through the complexities of growth—from building solid financial foundations to knowing when and how to hire. She is especially passionate about empowering women and minority-owned businesses with the financial tools they need to thrive.

An inductee into the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame, Carolina is also a TEDx speaker and author of “Pave Your Own Way: 13 Skills to Create Your Professional Success.” Her insights are grounded in practical experience, and her mission is to help small business owners scale smart—without losing sleep over the numbers. Whether on stage or in the boardroom, Carolina bring clarity, candor, and actionable advice that equips business owners to grow with purpose and profit.

Cleve Jenkins is a Commercial Lending Officer with Institute Capital, Inc. (ICAP), a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) supporting communities across North and South Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Retail Management and Sales from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. In addition to his current role, Cleve brings over a decade of entrepreneurial experience as the owner of Diversified Cleaning Solutions, a commercial cleaning company. With a combined 18 years in the financial industry, his background includes 7 years in Commercial Lending and 9 years in Residential Lending with institutions such as Wachovia (now Wells Fargo) and Fifth Third Bank. He also has 2 years of experience in Wholesale Lending with EquiFirst, and previously served as Finance Officer for Outreach Management, where he oversaw all financial operations..

Elaine Fairman brings more than 30 years of SBA 504 lending experience to her executive director role at BEFCOR, previously working with two other 504 lending organizations in the Carolinas. Her experience spans marketing, packaging, underwriting, closing and servicing in 504 loans. Elaine has worked with other economic development loan programs, including SBA 7a, USDA’s Intermediary Relending Program, EDA Revolving Loan Fund, a privately-funded micro lending fund and more. She is passionate about helping emerging and expanding companies obtain 504 loans and find resources for financing. Elaine is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University and received an MBA from Winthrop University. She and her family live in Charlotte. Elaine’s hobbies include spending time with family and baking.

Edward Timberlake, Jr. is Vice President and Senior Commercial Relationship Manager at Uwharrie Bank. A seasoned banker, Edward drives economic growth by supporting businesses across the Carolinas with tailored financial solutions. He partners with organizations and community stakeholders to lead educational outreach initiatives focused on commercial lending, credit management, and access to capital—empowering business owners with the knowledge and tools to succeed. Before joining Uwharrie Bank, Edward held roles at two regional banks, a credit union, and two community development financial institutions (CDFIs), where he deepened his expertise in mission-driven lending and economic inclusion. Edward is especially passionate about fostering economic development in under-resourced communities and takes pride in helping businesses grow, create jobs, and build generational wealth.

He is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Finance, and is a dedicated member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.