DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Current and aspiring African-American entrepreneurs can learn how to start a business -- and find their own road to economic recovery -- at the 2010 Black Business Conference on Wednesday, March 31. It is from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit.
“Chase plans to increase our lending to qualified small businesses by $4 billion nationally this year, bringing the 2010 total to $10 billion”
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing will deliver opening remarks and Sandy K. Baruah, incoming Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO, will deliver the luncheon keynote address.
Co-sponsored by Chase, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the ninth annual Black Business Conference will offer five 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.
Participants can attend two of the five workshops:
“Chase plans to increase our lending to qualified small businesses by $4 billion nationally this year, bringing the 2010 total to $10 billion,” said Robert Rummel, who manages Business Banking for Chase in Michigan.
“We recognize the importance of this vital segment of the economy and know it’s easier to succeed when the right resources are available,” he said. “Through the Black Business Conference, Chase can help small businesses connect with business specialists in our 300 Michigan branches and across the community.”
The SBA has been a cosponsor of the conference since its inception in 2002.
“Now more than ever, Michigan is dependent upon its small businesses to revitalize our economy,” said Richard Temkin, district director of SBA’s Michigan district office. “SBA is pleased to support the Black Business Conference again this year. We will provide information on the programs SBA has in place, including the Recovery Act, to help conference attendees.”
Community service and advocacy are part of the mission of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
“The Black Business Conference is a catalyst for current and future development of Business and Entrepreneurship for the city of Detroit,” said Dr. Richard C. James Jr., president of the Detroit-based Gamma Lambda alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. “Through diverse partnerships within Metro Detroit, a rebirth of the city will be created by bringing new ideas, resources and relationships together in the business community, whereby new seeds of economic growth will occur.”
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is the nation’s oldest traditionally black fraternity. Chase operates and network of 300 branches and 466 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.
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