Many Black entrepreneurs said they plan to attend the 8th Annual Small Business Expo Friday to network with potential clients and strengthen their business skills.
City Treasurer Stephanie Neely is hosting the expo, which is free and runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois-Chicago, 725 W. Roosevelt Road.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I look forward to attending,” said Vernon Perry, 37, a paralegal and business consultant. “The key to surviving as a small business owner is gaining access to capital.”
Perry has been self-employed since 1993 when he graduated from Chicago State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“I decided when I was in high school that I would not work for anyone but myself. Why make money for someone else when I can make it for myself?” he said.
Highland Community Bank, one of four Black-owned banks in Chicago, is among the sponsors for this year’s expo.
Neely said the expo allows her to keep a campaign promise to help small businesses grow in Chicago.
“When I was elected city treasurer, I made the commitment to support Chicago’s small businesses. The annual Small Business Expo continues to help small businesses owners network and build successful partnerships,” Neely said. “(Each year) this event draws thousands of people who are interested in becoming small business owners or are considering expanding their existing businesses.”
One newcomer to the expo is Wanda Tucker, 45, who wants to start her own catering business. Tucker was laid off in October from the Hyatt Regency hotel where she worked as a chef.
“I figure now is as good as any to start my own business since I am not working,” she said. “I know that within the first five years many small businesses fail and some are due to a lack of business knowledge.”
Ronald Fisher, 51, founder and CEO of a Chicago medical coding company, attends the expo each year.
“It’s a lot of information for business owners, but it is good information that is needed,” Fisher said. “A lot of time when Black businesses fail, it’s not because they were not diligent but because they lacked the business expertise and knowledge to stay afloat.”
Among the topics the expo will cover is how to file business taxes; how to do business with the city, county and state; access to capital; obtaining certification and licenses; hiring; healthcare costs and addressing credit issues.
“Our 2009 expo features over 100 exhibitors, as well as 30 exciting workshops in English and Spanish,” Neely explained.
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Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
City Treasurer Stephanie Neely is hosting the expo, which is free and runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois-Chicago, 725 W. Roosevelt Road.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I look forward to attending,” said Vernon Perry, 37, a paralegal and business consultant. “The key to surviving as a small business owner is gaining access to capital.”
Perry has been self-employed since 1993 when he graduated from Chicago State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“I decided when I was in high school that I would not work for anyone but myself. Why make money for someone else when I can make it for myself?” he said.
Highland Community Bank, one of four Black-owned banks in Chicago, is among the sponsors for this year’s expo.
Neely said the expo allows her to keep a campaign promise to help small businesses grow in Chicago.
“When I was elected city treasurer, I made the commitment to support Chicago’s small businesses. The annual Small Business Expo continues to help small businesses owners network and build successful partnerships,” Neely said. “(Each year) this event draws thousands of people who are interested in becoming small business owners or are considering expanding their existing businesses.”
One newcomer to the expo is Wanda Tucker, 45, who wants to start her own catering business. Tucker was laid off in October from the Hyatt Regency hotel where she worked as a chef.
“I figure now is as good as any to start my own business since I am not working,” she said. “I know that within the first five years many small businesses fail and some are due to a lack of business knowledge.”
Ronald Fisher, 51, founder and CEO of a Chicago medical coding company, attends the expo each year.
“It’s a lot of information for business owners, but it is good information that is needed,” Fisher said. “A lot of time when Black businesses fail, it’s not because they were not diligent but because they lacked the business expertise and knowledge to stay afloat.”
Among the topics the expo will cover is how to file business taxes; how to do business with the city, county and state; access to capital; obtaining certification and licenses; hiring; healthcare costs and addressing credit issues.
“Our 2009 expo features over 100 exhibitors, as well as 30 exciting workshops in English and Spanish,” Neely explained.
______
Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
