FLINT – Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in Genesee County have an opportunity to attend the Entrepreneurial & Small Business Summit, scheduled for Wednesday, September 25 at the Gateway Hotel and Convention Center. Hosted by the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub in collaboration with the eTEAM, this day-long event is designed to provide the tools, knowledge, and networking opportunities needed to start, grow, and succeed in today’s competitive market.
Sponsored by the Flint CRA Bankers Forum and The State Bank, the summit is free to all attendees and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The agenda features motivational speakers, multiple breakout sessions, and networking opportunities with local resource providers, bankers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
“The Immerse Summit is for anyone committed to investing in their professional development and advancing their business or business idea,” said Karena Hamlet, Business Services Director for the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group. “Participants will gain invaluable insights and practical tools, and they will also have the chance to connect with a community of like-minded professionals who can support their journey. This event is an opportunity to turn aspirations into actionable strategies and discover new pathways for growth.”
The Small Business Support Hub is partnering with the eTEAM on various aspects of the event, including the launch of the new Immerse Awards. These awards will honor four eTEAM clients for their outstanding market growth, innovation, and exceptional customer service. This regional partnership brings together entrepreneurial service providers to connect local business owners with valuable growth resources.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in two breakout sessions throughout the day. The sessions are designed to cover a range of relevant topics:
Morning Sessions:
- Food Regulations 101: Learn about the essential legal requirements for food operations, including collaboration with health departments and navigating food safety standards.
- Ready for Brick and Mortar?: Gain insights into the key considerations when deciding to open your first physical storefront.
- Business Structures & Legal Compliance: Explore different business structures and legal requirements, crucial for both startups and established companies.
- Strategies for E-Commerce Success: Discover effective online marketing tactics and how to use platforms like Amazon, WIX, Etsy, and social media to enhance your e-commerce sales.
Afternoon Sessions:
- Accessing Capital: Understand the process of securing capital through commercial bank loans and what to expect when applying.
- Balancing Health and Business: Learn health and wellness practices that can help maintain energy, focus, and resilience while managing a business.
- Marketing Across Generations: Tailor your marketing strategies to different age groups by understanding their unique preferences and behaviors.
- Understanding Family Business Dynamics: Explore the unique challenges of family-run businesses and how to balance familial relationships with business responsibilities.
The event is free, but pre-registration is required by September 18, as breakfast and lunch will be provided. Those interested in attending can register at DevelopFlintandGenesee.org/immerse.
