Rooted in Ujamaa
Cooperative Economics in Our Community
Rooted in Ujamaa is a JD Wms Diversity Group documentary highlighting local small-business owners and the power of cooperative economics. Through real entrepreneurial stories, the documentary demonstrates how supporting local businesses, building relationships, and circulating dollars within our community can contribute to sustainable businesses and greater community wealth.
From Cooperative Economics to Community Wealth
The principles highlighted in Rooted in Ujamaa extend beyond the documentary. JD Wms Diversity Group puts cooperative economics into action by connecting small-business owners and entrepreneurs with financial institutions, business-development resources, government programs, professional expertise, and one another. Through year-round networking and educational opportunities and the Suncoast Small Business Conference, we are helping entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, develop meaningful partnerships, increase their visibility, and contribute to a more sustainable local economy.
Building Together: Cooperative Economics & Community Wealth is the theme of the 2027 Suncoast Small Business Conference. Our goal is to move beyond a one-day event by creating year-round relationships among small businesses, financial institutions, community partners, and resource organizations that strengthen entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunity throughout the Suncoast region.
Building Community Wealth Together
Financial institutions, corporations, government agencies, and community organizations have an important role in creating an environment where small businesses can grow and thrive. Partnering with the Suncoast Small Business Conference helps expand access to financial education, business resources, professional networks, visibility, and relationship-building opportunities for entrepreneurs and small-business owners throughout our community.