Four seminar areas located inside the expo hall allow you to choose from different business,
marketing, contracting and financial topics. These short 30-minute sessions will spotlight key topics
important for growing your business and pursuing new markets.
Each session will conclude with a list of resources you can access on the topic and implement best
practices in your business.
AREA A: Strategic Business Management
9:45AM - 10:15AM BUSINESS SURVIVAL STRATEGIES
This spotlight is a must for entrepreneurs who want to survive and grow their business as quickly as possible and keep ahead of their plan.
10:45AM - 11:15AM READY TO EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS?
In this spotlight, the main focus is to help a business owner learn how to determine if their business plans fit with current market conditions, company resources and their personal goals.
1:30AM - 2:00PM PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR CHANGE
Both internal and external factors/changes can and will impact a business's bottom line. This spotlight will address how to be more proactive than reactive by creating an action readiness plan
AREA B: Smart Financing
9:45AM - 10:15AM UNDERSTAND THE FINANCIAL STRUCTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS
This spotlight will help a business owner develop an understanding of the financial parameters of their company and provide key tools for making the best financial and planning decisions.
10:45AM - 11:15AM EXPLORE LOANS, GRANS & FUNDING TO EMPOWER YOUR BUSINESS
This spotlight will explore business financing opportunities including traditional loans, grants and creative and flexible financing to start or expand a business.
1:30AM - 2:00PM APPLYING FOR A BUSINESS LOAN
This spotlight will provide information to attendees about what is needed when applying for a business loan.
AREA C: Effective Contracting
9:45AM - 10:15AM BASICS OF CONTRACTING
This spotlight covers the basics of what is needed when considering applying for a contract.
10:45AM - 11:15AM UNDERSTANDING RFPs
RFP (request for proposal): what does it mean and why is it important? When public and some private entities are in need of a product or service, based on the need, they will request an RFP from potential suppliers who can meet that need.
1:30AM - 2:00PM WRITING EFFECTIVE PROPOSALS
Writing a government or corporate proposals takes time, careful planning and a complete understanding of the requirements. A proposal must provide credible evidence that your business understands the problem, has a comprehensive solution, has the skills and experience to do the work, and can provide the solution at a competitive price.
AREA D: Advancing Technology & Marketing
9:45AM - 10:15AM BUILDING A WINNING DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGY
A successful Web strategy involves much more than simply having a website or a Facebook page. In this session, we’ll explore what separates winning online strategies from average ones.
10:45AM - 11:15AM ACCELERATING YOUR GROWTH IN THE NEW DIGITAL MARKET
This spotlight will help business owners learn why accelerating their business growth in the new digital environment is so important and vital to business survival.
1:30AM - 2:00PM ARE YOU COVERED? CHECKLIST FOR BUSINESS SECURITY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
This spotlight will provide a checklist of things to consider for business security and disaster preparedness.
