Introducing, Small Bites.
Small Bites is a virtual training series delivering relevant and valuable tools on the implementation of small-scale development. Led by our diverse faculty, they’ll offer expertise drawn from real-life experiences. These one-hour “bite size” sessions are for people of all skill levels, from small-scale developers and local advocates, to policymakers. An opportunity to ask questions is included at the end of each session.
Time advertised is in Central Time.
Historypreneurship: Exploring Valuation Concepts in Historic Development
Presented by Dr. Valecia Dunbar, Joanna Jackson, and Regina M. Lewis
Historic places carry more than bricks and mortar — they hold stories, cultural memory, and the potential to inspire new economic growth. Yet, too often, these spaces are undervalued or overlooked in favor of new construction. This session reframes historic redevelopment as both a financial and cultural investment. By combining entrepreneurial insight with community-centered storytelling, developers, investors, and stakeholders can unlock new value in old spaces while honoring the legacy of those who came before.
Through case examples including The New LaVilla Project in Jacksonville, Florida, the historic Black town of Boley, Oklahoma, and the innovative work of Black Yarn, Inc. in Lexington, Kentucky, we will explore how developers can approach valuation in ways that transcend traditional real estate metrics. These examples demonstrate that historic projects are not just preservation efforts — they are catalysts for community revitalization, economic inclusion, and long-term cultural impact.
This Small Bites session will offer:
Strategies for uncovering hidden histories and transforming them into marketable assets
Frameworks for valuing real estate beyond traditional metrics through cultural preservation and storytelling
Real-world case studies including The New LaVilla Project, Boley Oklahoma, and Black Yarn Inc. that demonstrate community-driven historic revitalization
Practical tools for presenting projects with both financial and cultural ROI to investors and stakeholders
In this session, attendees can expect to gain insights on:
How to conduct cultural research that reveals untold stories and distinguishes projects in competitive markets
Methods for quantifying intangible value like community trust, heritage tourism, and legacy branding
Building partnerships with banks, architects, and local government around historic preservation
Balancing profitability with purpose while ensuring revitalization remains community-driven and inclusive
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Dr. Valecia Brooks Dunbar, CEO & Founder, Center for Confidence
Dr. Valecia Brooks Dunbar is CEO and Founder of The Center for Confidence, an organizational leadership firm developing high achievers and changemakers through professional coaching. She serves on the Forbes School of Business MBA advisory committee, advises Goldman Sachs' Black in Business Accelerator, and coaches for the LISC HBCU Student Internship initiative. A motivational author and speaker, Dr. V specializes in leadership development and entrepreneurial support. Find her at in/drdunbar and @TheTrueDrV.
Joanna Jackson, Fifth Generation Business Owner in Boley, OK
Joanna Jackson is an entrepreneur with over 20 years in data and information technology, a preeclampsia advocate, and passionate about preserving African American historical towns. Her family established a gas station, grocery store, and cotton gins in Boley, Oklahoma in 1918. As fifth-generation owner of the historic Atlas Service Station, Joanna is committed to revitalizing Boley — once a thriving Black town incorporated in 1905 — through strategic restoration and business development.
Regina M. Lewis, Lead Data Scientist, Black Yarn Inc
Regina M. Lewis is a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, researching race, place, and public policy's impact on economic mobility in entrepreneurship, education, and homeownership. As Lead Data Scientist for Black Yarn Inc., a Lexington nonprofit, she uses research and film to illuminate economic injustice. Her work underpins the documentary Lexington: Resilience in the Redline, connecting Black experiences with broader American narratives.
REGISTRATION
Small Bites sessions are a complementary membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members. Become a member today! Non-members can register for each session for $25 per ticket.
Recordings will be sent to those who register following the session. This event will be held in Central Standard Time. Details will be sent to attendees upon registration.
Contact
For any questions, message us at training@incrementaldevelopment.org.