Black business owners find assistance, financing tips at March 24 conference in Detroit

Current and aspiring African American entrepreneurs can learn how to start businesses that could retool their careers at the 2009 Black Business Conference on March 24, at Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit.

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano will deliver the luncheon keynote address on the county’s business development programs including the proposed aerotropolis, which could generate 60,000 new jobs in the next decade.

Co-sponsored by Chase, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the eighth annual Black Business Conference begins at 8 a.m. and will offer four workshops between 9:30 a.m. and noon. A $30 conference fee includes the workshops as well as continental breakfast and lunch. Space is limited, so call (313) 256-0576 to register or for more information.

Michigan Chronicle publisher Sam Logan will open the program by sharing perspectives on his publication’s ongoing success as a small business.

Participants then can attend two of the four workshops:

• Professional advice on how to start a small business
• Small-business funding through U.S. Small Business Administration guaranteed loans
• Minority business certification guidelines for government or corporate supplier contracts
• Non-traditional financing sources for small businesses

"New businesses are vital to our community’s economic growth and access to the right resources can make the path to success simpler,” said Robert Rummel, who manages Business Banking for Chase in Michigan. "Through the Black Business Conference, Chase wants to help small businesses connect with business specialists in our 297 Michigan branches and across the community who can help them get started.”

The SBA has been a cosponsor of this conference since its inception in 2002.

"During these tough economic times, this conference could not be more important,” said Richard Temkin, district director of the SBA’s Michigan district office. "We will explain the impact of the stimulus bill and how it will improve access to financial and technical resources.”

Community service and advocacy are part of the mission of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

"The Black Business Conference provides an excellent climate to promote entrepreneurship,” said Alonzo Terry, president of the Detroit-based Gamma Lambda alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. "Through the collaboration with Chase and the SBA, we’ve created an event that sets a high bar for other cities in creating business opportunities.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is the nation’s oldest traditionally black fraternity. Chase operates a network of 297 branches and 450 ATMs in Michigan. The SBA’s mission is to maintain and strengthen the nation’s economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small business.