Hispanic Business Expo and Economic Summit Triples Number of Small Business Workshops

September 1, 2006; 02:59 AM
Participants in the 2006 Hispanic Business Expo and Economic Summit, Michigan's largest Hispanic business event, will have access to triple the number of small business workshops compared to the previous year. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 7 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, nine interactive workshops presented by leading Michigan business experts including those within technology, marketing, and finance sectors, will share strategies on how to start, grow and manage a small business.

"The workshops presented at this year's Expo are excellent resources for current and future small business owners," said Frederick Feliciano, President and Chairman of the Board for the Hispanic Business Alliance. "The Expo has quickly become a one-stop resource for business startup and management information for the Hispanic and non-Hispanic business communities in Michigan and throughout the Midwest."

In addition to the nine workshops, participants can meet with an anticipated 200 exhibitors, listen to keynote speakers including gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos and Univision Television Group President Michael Wortsman, and participate in matchmaking opportunities provided by the U.S Small Business Administration and the Michigan Department of Management and Budget. The Expo will kick-off on September 6 at the GMAC Fiesta in the Wintergarden complete with dancing, hors d'oeuvres and casino games.

For more information on the Expo, visit
http://www.hispanicbusinessexpo.org or call (248) 347-3659.

About the HBA

The Hispanic Business Alliance was founded in 1978 as an advocacy organization to promote, develop and advance Hispanic businesses and individuals in the Detroit Metropolitan area and throughout the State of Michigan. The HBA represents the interest of its membership in local, state and national affairs.

TENTATIVE WORKSHOP LINE UP FOR SEPTEMBER 7:

Business Start-Up Strategies

Incorporation, Management, Business Planning: 9 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. Learn about the critical first-steps in starting a new business, including management strategies and the importance of a good business plan.

Access to Capital & Financial Management: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Receive expert advice on obtaining capital and learn about available financial resources. Gain insight on simple strategies that can help in managing finances, lowering business costs and understanding tax liabilities.

Sales & Marketing: 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Discussion on successful initiatives small businesses can use to increase sales and learn how to utilize marketing and advertising to grow clientele.

Business Strategies for Growing Your Company

Doing Business with Corporate America: 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. Experts share ideas and discuss best practices for diversifying a vendor base.

Marketing to the Hispanic Consumer: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Learn who and where the Hispanic community is in Southeastern Michigan. Topics include buying habits and how to effectively reach Hispanic consumers through different media avenues.

Procurement Opportunities with State Government: 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Meet with decision makers and learn about upcoming projects and contract opportunities from various government agencies in Michigan. Receive information on resources available to assist small businesses as they pursue these opportunities.

Business Management

Practical Business Technologies: 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. Learn from the experts which hardware and software best fits business needs.

Managing People for Business Growth: 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Discussion about programs, benefits and incentives designed to attract and retain good employees. Topics include successful management practices and employee benefits.

Funding and Bonding for Government Contracts: 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Experts share insight on the bonding and financing requirements necessary for businesses to compete for government contracts.