The Small Business renaissance begins in Columbus, Ohio tomorrow when the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference and Expo rolls into town.
Hosted by Nationwide Insurance at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, the conference begins Wednesday, May 14 and runs through Saturday, May 17.
A star-studded roster of some of the nation’s most accomplished and celebrated entrepreneurs will attend, many of them as guests or keynote speakers.
They include, T.D Jakes, CEO, T.D Jakes Enterprises, Valerie Daniels Carter, co-founder, president and CEO, V&J Holdings, Necole Parker, CEO Elocen Group, and many, many more.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and Civil Rights activist will be recognized for his outstanding achievements and dedication to the economic empowerment of communities and as a champion of entrepreneurial and business growth.
On opening day Wednesday, you can attend an in-depth one-on-one conversation with Rodney Sampson, Angel Investor and ABC Shark Tank’s executive in charge of diversity and inclusion. He’ll be giving tips on how startups can raise much-needed capital and how small business owners can get and stay in the room with venture capitalists.
Also on Wednesday, Pitch Perfect, a one-on-one coaching session on how to perfect an elevator pitch and sell a business idea.
Guests at the conference can also attend a series of Black Enterprise Small Business Success Boot Camps,
where they can learn how to land a multimillion-dollar government contract.For the ladies, on Friday, Black Enterprise is calling on all female entrepreneurs to attend the 20/20 Vision Forum on how to gain a piece of the $20 billion contracting pie. A panel of top-flight entrepreneurs offers a step-by-step strategic plan from how to pitch retail buyers to positioning products to meet customer demand.
The Black Enterprise small business revolution begins to wind down Friday evening with the biggest event – a spectacular gala and celebration to recognize the most compelling and inspiring business success stories.
Another annual highlight of the conference will be the presentation of the nation’s top awards for African American business achievement and community involvement.
Music will be provided by the popular group Bell Biv DeVoe and DJ MixMaster Ice.
Small business owners should also remember that National Small Business week started Monday. Small Business owners are being celebrated as the difference makers in our economy.
Events are being held in Boston, Kansas, San Francisco and Washington D.C. There are 28 million small businesses across country, creating nearly two out of three jobs.
RELATED: National Small Business Week Kicks Off May 12
President Obama emphasized the importance of small business owners in a statement put out by the White House.
“Today marks the beginning of National Small Business Week, a time to highlight the crucial role that America’s small businesses play in our economy. Employing millions of Americans and creating nearly two out of three new jobs, America’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy. More than that, our small businesses represent what is best about America — that with hard work and ingenuity, anyone — no matter their background — can build a better future for themselves and their families.”
For additional information on the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference, log on to https://blackenterprise.com/ec/