The conference, which took place on August 12 at the Johnson Center, provided practical information and resources to help small and ethnic minority entrepreneurs start a business or plan for expansion. Participants had opportunities to network, share information and access resources that are critical to their success in the mainstream economy.

Keynote speakers included Michael Schewel, Virginia secretary of commerce and trade; Chapman Petersen, Virginia state delegate; Roger Stough, director of the MEC; and GMU President Alan Merten. Workshops covered federal contracting opportunities, capital for business startup, resources for small business, import and export, Virginia state and local procurement and certification for small minority enterprise.

“Our focus is on creating opportunities for developing and growing successful businesses,” Stough said. “The Arlington SBDC, part of the Mason Enterprise Center, has an ongoing commitment to provide access to tools, resources and business opportunities so small and minority businesses can participate in the economic growth of the region.”

Other conference organizers included the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Center for Business Planning and Development.