Capital Connections:  Alternative Financing Strategies.  This event offers attendees a tremendous opportunity to explore non-traditional sources of capital to contribute to their continued growth.  With the emergence of numerous sources of alternative financing, the opportunity to augment and/or substitute traditional financing sources has become a viable option for minority entrepreneurs.  Representatives will discuss new market tax credits, private equity, private loan funds and other alternative financing methods.  In addition to the prepared discussion, attendees will also have the opportunity to address issues and concerns during a Q & A session.

NEW !!! Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations:  The New Paradigm.  A panel of senior level corporate executives will focus on the newest trends and developments in Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations.  The panel, along with an audience of industry professionals will discuss the competitive advantages of diversity given the changing demographics in the marketplace.  The industry-diverse panel will also provide insight on doing business within their given sector.  This forum targets professional firms seeking to secure or develop a corporate client base and marketing, advertising and public relations executives seeking to improve their organizations overall customer acquisition and retention strategies. (Invitation Only)

Government Contracting:  Real Decision-Makers, Real Opportunities.  This forum will focus on utilizing federal contracts to grow and develop a minority business organization.  Government contractors and contracting officers will share the fundamental steps of marketing to the government and positioning minority businesses to win contracts.  Federal, state and local contracting officers and purchasing personnel will be on hand to provide business owners with current contract opportunities.  Forecasts of upcoming procurement/contracting opportunities for various agencies will also be provided.

The Buyer's Forum.  This procurement roundtable provides a forum that matches Corporate Buyers and Supplier Diversity Managers with pre-qualified minority businesses.  The top minority vendors from around the Midwest will attend this event.  These vendors should be selected to specifically match predetermined buyer needs, thereby maximizing successful outcomes.  The forum will focus on manufacturing, MRO, and construction opportunities. The roundtable format offers an excellent opportunity for the exchange of information about buyers’ contract requirements, business owners’ capacity to meet those requirements and opportunities for MBE partnerships.  (Invitation Only)

NEW !!! Professional Services:  Business to Business Exchange.  Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing and Accounting decision-makers from large corporations will meet with minority professional services firms from their respective area of expertise. Corporate purchasing decisions for professional services are typically made in various departments throughout these large organizations.  This is a first of its kind event that focuses on connecting minority business owners with corporate end-users. (Invitation Only)