DALLAS, Texas – New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur Craig Hall will share his insights on small business and revitalizing the economy in a conversation with LiftFund President & CEO Janie Barrera.
The free virtual conversation is scheduled for Friday, May 14 at 11 a.m. It is open to small business owners and community leaders.
Hall is the founder and chairman of Dallas-based HALL Group, which he founded in 1968 at 18 years old with $4,000 saved from small ventures he began at age 10. Hall is an author, civic leader and philanthropist who works to support new entrepreneurs and nurture young startups.
Barrera said Hall will explore ways to economic recovery through small business opportunities and employment, two key concepts to the nation’s future prosperity – especially for women and people of color.
“We’re so pleased to be able to sit down with Craig Hall and share his knowledge, personal experience and forecast for the future of small businesses,” Barrera said. “This talk is a great opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs to learn from one of the most respected and forward-thinking entrepreneurs of our time.”
Hall said that as the pandemic has progressed, women and minority entrepreneurs have been particularly affected. He said that, in general, small business has received less attention and continues to be hurt by the consolidation of big corporations, Hall said.
“Big business, with its prioritization of short-term wins for shareholders, will not save the American economy,” Hall wrote. “Today, with millions of Americans out of work and millions more young people entering the labor market each year, their best hope for a job may be to start new businesses. Now is the time to commit to a new platform that will build our country back better, beginning with entrepreneurial opportunity for all Americans.”
Hall said he learned many lessons during the 1980’s recession that apply to the current business climate, and the pandemic has forced businesses, particularly small businesses, to rally around liquidity, cashflow and relationships.
“We’re in survival mode – emotionally and financially,” Hall said. “And this is a place I’ve been before. I learned then that there is a better tomorrow. And today there are positive and unique opportunities for small businesses.”
To join the conversation, register at: www.LiftSmallBusiness.com
About LiftFund:
LiftFund, a nonprofit community small business lender, transforms lives by opening doors, leveling the financial playing field and building a community of shared success through entrepreneurship. Founded in 1994 in San Antonio, Texas, LiftFund provides capital, financial coaching, tools and resources to entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources. Since inception, LiftFund has provided over $372 million in capital, propelling the dreams of over 23,000 diverse small businesses throughout its 15-state footprint.
About Craig Hall:
Craig Hall is chairman and founder of Dallas-based HALL Group. Mr. Hall’s career in business and as an author, civic leader and philanthropist reflects the highest qualities of entrepreneurship. He formed HALL Group in 1968 at age 18 with $4,000 saved from small ventures begun at age 10. Today, HALL Group’s diversified business interests include active operations in commercial real estate ownership, development and management, structured financial lending, winemaking and early-stage investments in promising start-ups.
Hall actively supports new entrepreneurs, nurtures young start-ups and often speaks publicly about the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship worldwide. Together with his wife Kathryn Hall, he funded the Fulbright – Kathryn and Craig Hall Distinguished Chair for Entrepreneurship to teach entrepreneurship in Eastern Europe. Craig Hall also founded the Dallas Regional Office of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. He is the author of seven published books, including his most recent, BOOM: Bridging the Opportunity Gap to Reignite Startups.
Craig Hall consistently contributes time and resources at local, national and international levels to support a variety of community causes with an emphasis on art, education and entrepreneurship. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the American University in Bulgaria, the American-Austrian Fulbright Board and the Board of the Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans.
A lifelong art collector, Craig Hall believes art nourishes the human spirit and can make a profound difference in people’s lives. Throughout his businesses, pieces from Hall’s personal art collection, the HALL Collection, are on display for the public’s enjoyment. Important works by artists from all over the world can be found at HALL Park in Frisco, Texas, at the HALL Arts development in the Dallas Arts District and at HALL St. Helena and HALL Rutherford, his two destination wineries in Napa Valley.
Hall and his companies are often recognized for significant achievements and contributions. Craig Hall received the 2002 Obelisk Award from the Dallas Business Committee for the Arts for his long-time support of Texas artists, and was named Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002 by Ernst & Young. In 2006, he received the American Jewish Committee’s Institute of Human Relations Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
In 2007, Craig Hall was named a lifetime member of the prestigious Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans, and was inducted into the North Texas Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame and the Entrepreneurs Foundation of North Texas’ Ring of Honor. Most recently, he was named Dallas’ Real Estate Executive of the Year in 2013 and in 2016 was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Dallas Business Hall of Fame.
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying the above news advisory shows Craig Hall.
Quality journalism takes time, effort and…. Money!
Producing quality journalism is not cheap. The coronavirus has resulted in falling revenues across the newsrooms of the United States. However, The Rio Grande Guardian is committed to producing quality news reporting on the issues that matter to border residents. The support of our members is vital in ensuring our mission gets fulfilled.
Can we count on your support? If so, click HERE. Thank you!
