City of Orlando and the Orlando Magic Partner for Orlando's First Ever African American Business Expo


As part of the City of Orlando's Black History Month celebration, the City of Orlando and the Orlando Magic will host the City’s first African American Business Expo is February 17, 2011, 1pm - 6pm at the Amway Center (400 West Church Street). This FREE event is an opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs to network with one another and learn from industry experts and various economic development organizations about how to start and grow their business. There will be nearly 70 organizations and businesses with exhibits showcasing their services and products during the Expo. Business assistance workshops will also be hosted throughout the day on topics including state and local business incentives and other small business assistance programs available in the City of Orlando.

Schedule:

1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Expo Booths on Display in the Main Concourse

1:00 – 1:40 p.m. Welcome and Introductions
Video Greetings from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Greetings from District 5 City Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum
Black History Month Sponsor Plaque Presentation
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Thomas Chatmon, Executive Director of the City of Orlando’s
Downtown Development Board & Community Redevelopment Agency (DDB/CRA)

1:40 – 2:00 p.m. Break

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Workshop – Starting Your Own Business
Presented by Duane Lewis, Vice President/Senior Loan Office of Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF)

2:40 – 3:35 p.m. Workshop – Growing and Maintaining Your Business
Presented by Dr. Robert Spooney, Executive Director of the African American Chamber of Commerce

3:45 – 4:15 p.m. Workshop – Small Business Assistance Programs
Presented by Kim King, City of Orlando’s Business Growth & Development Coordinator

4:25 – 4:55 p.m. Workshop – Downtown Incentives and Retail Space
Presented by Kelly Roberts, City of Orlando’s DDB/CRA Project Manager

5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Workshop – Disney Entrepreneur Center’s Available Services for Small
Businesses Presented by Jerry Ross, Executive Director of the Disney Entrepreneur Center

5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Networking