Join LISC’s National Economic Development team for an insightful session tailored for economic development professionals who support small businesses and lead Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) initiatives. As part of LISC’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital access, we’ll showcase how free tools can be leveraged to build stronger, more resilient small business teams. 

You’ll hear directly from Destiny Mitchell, Senior Program Officer at LISC, and Julie Irvin Hartman, MBA, an entrepreneur who has successfully integrated the Small Business Digital Ready platform into her employee training and business growth strategy. Together, they’ll explore how LISC’s Business Development Organization (BDO) Network is helping businesses navigate workforce development, strengthen operations, and access critical resources in an increasingly digital economy. Whether you're looking to enhance your technical assistance offerings, support digital adoption in your community, or connect local businesses to high-impact tools, this session offers real-world insights and resources ready to share with your network.

Key Takeaways for Economic Developers:

• Explore LISC’s BDO Network and our national approach to closing the digital divide for small businesses.
• Learn how digital tools can support small business workforce development and retention.
• See how the digital ready platform provides accessible job aids and online training that drive productivity.
• Gain practical strategies to foster an “owner mindset” and culture of shared leadership.
• Walk away with no-cost resources you can immediately incorporate into your BRE efforts. 

Registration:

register here

Speakers:

Destiny Mitchell
Senior Program Officer, Economic Development
LISC

Destiny is an economic development professional specializing in supporting LISC’s small business and Business Development Organizations' (BDOs) initiatives nationwide. She leads the national BDO Network, ensuring small business owners access affordable capital and strengthen their financial and business practices to achieve their goals through direct support from these organizations. With more than 8 years of public sector experience, Destiny is dedicated to fostering growth and opportunity through small business support and economic development initiatives.   
 
Prior to joining LISC, Destiny served as an Economic Development Specialist in Southern Maryland, leading the Business Retention and Expansion Program and Southern Maryland Innovates, an initiative dedicated to transforming the region’s economy through entrepreneurship and innovation. She is passionate about helping partners strengthen their services to support historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and building inclusive small business ecosystems. Destiny holds a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Xavier University. Beyond her professional roles, she is actively involved in various committees and organizations, including the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA). Destiny resides in Prince George’s County, Maryland, with her family, and enjoys nature, grilling, and relaxation. 

Julie Hartman, MBA
Co-Founder
B2G Victory

As unique as every curl on her head, Julie’s expertise includes procurement/government contracting, marketing/design, business strategy, and community outreach. She empowers companies to harness their strengths, uncover obstacles that are standing in their way, exceed their goals, drive operational excellence, and increase profitability. As a certified proposal manager and Texas A&M EMBA graduate, Julie leverages her skills to maintain an 87% win rate for her clients, resulting in $5 billion in contract awards globally. 

You can find Julie passionately developing a business strategy mid-flight, brainstorming the next seminar while walking Adele, and skiing down a double black diamond every chance she gets. Focused on the greatest impact, her voracious mind is always asking why not and pushing boundaries in everything she does.