Description

Why Small Businesses Fail to Scale

Patrice Blakemore

Senior Vice President, Equity & Inclusion

Greater Cleveland Partnership

Patrice Blakemore is the Senior Vice President of Equity and Inclusion of the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP). Patrice leads three principal equity and inclusion strategies. These priorities include (1) scaling minority business enterprises (2) supporting efforts that promote minority development, advancement, and retention in middle to high-wage positions, and (3) advocating and advancing digital equity.

Before joining GCP, Patrice served as the Executive Director for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). The 3-month curriculum provides entrepreneurs with practical business education, access to capital resources, and business support services. Patrice increased overall diversity in the program on average by 15 percent. She joined Tri-C in 2013 as a business advisor, where she has assisted more than 500 business owners during her tenure. Approximately 800 owners have graduated from the program since her departure in 2022.

Patrice received her undergraduate degree from Spelman College in 3 ½ years and her law degree in 2 ½ years from the University of Dayton School of Law. After graduating from law school, Patrice worked for the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s office before moving to Cleveland, Ohio.

In 2009, Patrice pivoted, using her experience as an attorney to create a consulting practice where she managed diversity programs for organizations. She provided minority companies with the knowledge and sustainable practices necessary to grow and expand their businesses. Additionally, she provided executive coaching, customized training, and support for employees to excel.

Patrice believes in order to stay globally competitive, companies must embrace racial equity and inclusivity. She maintains that a region’s ability to thrive depends on its ability to harness innovation by leveraging experiences of diverse people.