The 2024 Entrepreneur Ball: An Interview with Curators Reggie and Cryssy McArthur

Reggie and Cryssy McArthur are the power duo behind The 2024 Entrepreneur Ball. These two are not your average event organizers – they’re visionaries on a mission. They’re all about creating an entrepreneurial community that’s not just surviving, but thriving.

Reggie and Cryssy are passionate about supporting business dreamers because they believe it’s the secret for several good reasons. Back in January 2023, they kicked off their first-ever Entrepreneur Ball, and they realized something crucial. Entrepreneurs and small businesses needed more than just simple acknowledgment – they needed connections, resources, knowledge, and a sprinkle of inspiration to keep their goals alive.

The Entrepreneur Ball is not just a one-time event for Reggie and Cryssy. It’s their way of creating a whole ecosystem where entrepreneurs can blossom, collaborate, and lead successful ventures. These two are on a mission, and they’re not just talking the talk – they’re walking the walk to make things happen.

Check out the interview with Reggie and Cryssy McArthur below:

As curators of this event, what motivated you to focus on the journey of entrepreneurs and their path to success?

As an entrepreneur, launching Cocktails by Cryssy started as an in-person bartending service. When the pandemic happened, having to pivot to a mobile service brought various challenges and obstacles that were unseen by others. Looking at other entrepreneurs and seeing them overcome the same challenges I faced inspired me in late 2022 to create an event to celebrate these successes. So, in January 2023, we hosted our inaugural event.

How do you believe events like The Entrepreneur Ball contribute to the broader entrepreneurial community?

Connections, connections, connections. At the Entrepreneur Ball, we want to foster a space for meaningful connections to entrepreneurs who would not usually share the same space due to locations or industry. Why not celebrate their accomplishments and network at the same time?

The theme suggests a focus on resources for entrepreneurs. Could you elaborate on the specific challenges entrepreneurs face and why resources are crucial for their success?

Entrepreneurs, whether they have been in business for years or are just starting need the following: Funding, strategy, branding, and mentorship. The 2024 panel is composed of leaders in their respective industries. For branding, we have Creative Director Tijania Goodwin, finance and Wealth Management Safiya Parker, Business Strategy Alquincia Selowane, Shopping Network Founder Folasade Ogunmokun, Government Contracting Consultant Jean Austin, and Entrepreneur Monique Rose-Sneed. Comedian and Entrepreneur Dwain Watts will Moderate this phenomenal panel discussion.

Can you provide examples of the types of resources that entrepreneurs often need, and how these resources contribute to their growth and development?

Financial awareness, branding, strategic planning, launching a project or product and most of all success stories are crucial parts of addressing the needs of entrepreneurs. Creating a foundation at the start of a business with the correct state and federal registration requirements, tax guidelines, and how to finance your business are the most important needs to address as an aspiring entrepreneur. Branding and Strategy come next as without a brand or a strategy, there is no business to launch. The Entrepreneur Ball will serve as a point of access to those who can facilitate these resources.

How do you envision the panel discussions at the event addressing the challenges entrepreneurs face in today’s business landscape?

The Empowering Entrepreneurs for Success Panel will facilitate conversations and also share knowledge that will bring solutions to potential challenges as well as a clear view of the various stages of their journeys–sharing the successes and failures that have shaped their journey of entrepreneurship. Oftentimes, entrepreneurs are facing the same issues. The panel will hopefully answer questions or solve some of the challenges that are being faced due to the many changes to the business landscape.

What are some key takeaways you hope attendees will gain from the panel discussions and overall experience at The Entrepreneur Ball?

The key takeaways are solutions to problems and knowledge and inspiration to continue growing. The connections that can be made while enjoying a party with a purpose. This year will have so many surprises in store for our attendees and having a performance from DC’s own Black Alley is top-tier.

Celebrating the hard work of entrepreneurs is a significant aspect of the event. How does acknowledging their efforts contribute to the overall success of the entrepreneurial community?

Entrepreneurs work hard, without a doubt, each day pouring into their dreams, failure, or success as they are continuing their journey. Creating a space where their hard work is celebrated along with providing knowledge will keep their drive going while offering support. This celebration will remind them why they started their journey and give them the boost to keep going.

How can the broader community, including government and private sectors, contribute to providing more resources for entrepreneurs?

Support from the community can contribute to resources for entrepreneurs by connecting with them for their services or sharing and referring their business to those who may be in need. Government entities can also make resources easier to find. Oftentimes, the information for grants, education, and other information is buried, and the information needs to be clearer thus making it harder for entrepreneurs to access them.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who may be attending The Entrepreneur Ball, eager to navigate their own path to success?

Come with an open mind ready to learn and to network. You never know who you might meet.