LEARN, CONNECT, SUCCEED!

Is a Minority Small Business Certification worthwhile? The benefits of being a minority-owned business with certification are significant. From federal and government agencies to private corporations, there are many organizations that want to do business with minority-owned businesses and would even prefer to do so. Certification may provide your business with opportunities it might not otherwise be able to compete for. You qualify for those contracts even if you think you don't!

Speakers:
Jermaine Pharmes, Hudson County Office of Business Opportunity
Ana Torres, CEO, GlobalVoice TN
SPONSORED BY HUDSON COUNTY OFFICE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Need money for your startup? Without fundraising, startups can’t source together the necessary capital to scale their businesses, so knowing how to raise your first rounds of funding successfully will ensure that you have a chance of getting a check in the end. Hear from an angel investor, a small business banker and a Latina entrepreneur what it takes to succesfully fundraise funding for your venture.

Speakers:
Erica Duignan Minnihan, 1000 Angels
Victoria Flores, Co-founder Lux Beauty Club
SPONSORED BY VALLEY NATIONAL BANK

Do you have an idea for a new service, product or business? Discuss with our small business experts if your idea or product is viable and what it takes for you to launch your business BEFORE you dig in and spend thousands of dollars. This workshop will include a free evaluation and an invitation to participate at one of our dedicated workshops. 

Speakers:
Dr Georgina Falu, Falu Foundation NYC
Roger Cervantes, Program Director, Rising Tide Capital
Dee Rivera, Dee & Co Group
SPONSORED BY ESSEX COUNTY OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS

Everything we know about every product we use is because of branding. It is the link that connects your company to your customer and vice versa. A strong brand provides your business value. A strong brand will provide value to your organization well beyond your physical assets. Join our Branding Experts and Social Media Influencers to discuss how you can also create a strong brand for your company and for you!

Speakers:
Vicky Ayala, Social Media Influencer and Founder, Quirky Bodega
Danay Escanaverino, Founder and CEO, LunaSol Media
Panel Moderator:
Hipatia Lopez, Founder and CEO, Empanada Fork
SPONSORED BY INVESTORS BANK

Women -especially Latinas- are raised in the believe that everyone in the family comes first. Being a member of the sandwich generation can put your financial future and your business in jeopardy. Explore practical strategies that you can use to care for your parents, your children AND yourself without exhausting your resources.

Speaker:
Aquiles Larrea, noted columnist, CEO, Latino wealth advisor, and author
Mabel Nunez, Founder and CEO, Girls on the Money
Carlos Yepez, PNC Bank VP Business Banking Relationship Manager, Certified Women’s Business Advocate
SPONSORED BY PNC BANK

Do you want a mental edge when it comes to reaching success? Are you aware that you can make your mind work for you, instead of having it fight you every step of the way? If you’re looking for a simple activity that will promote success in your life, then join our experts to learn to deal with the stress and anxiety that may prevent you from reaching your goals and gain clarity so that you can see things objectively.

Speakers:
Clarisa Romero, Founder, CEO, Mindful Consultants
Erica Torres Pagano, Total Fitnes Evolution
Panel Moderator:
Cristina Tone, Certified Default Housing Counselor at El Salvador Development Foundation
SPONSORED BY HORIZON BCBS