The City of San Bernardino has announced that it has partnered with America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to host the first San Bernardino County Small Business Conference, to be held on July 27th from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in San Bernardino, California. A sign of the city’s role in driving growth and innovation in the region, the event will bring together small and medium-sized businesses, startups and entrepreneurs for a day of learning and networking to help businesses looking for opportunities to grow and scale.
Attendees will be able to participate in more than 20 breakout sessions, network with other business owners and resource providers, enjoy lunch with keynote speakers such as San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, meet state and local legislators, and more. The event will also feature valuable tips, tools and resources that employers can implement immediately.
The conference will have working sessions with four different programs:
An access to capital track, where attendees can meet representatives from lenders including Accessibility, Main Street Launch, Ampac and TMC Community Capital. A digital marketing track, where participants can improve their digital marketing skills and learn more about topics such as search engine optimization (SEO) and short-form video. A procurement track, where attendees can learn about securing government contracts and hear from representatives of the Metropolitan Water District (WMD), So Cal Edison, Disney and San Bernardino County on strategies to better compete for contracts. An International Trade/Resources track, where Commerce Department officials will be available to discuss how US Export Assistance Centers can help businesses expand globally.
“San Bernardino is excited to be the host city for the Small Business Conference and to provide a prime opportunity for our small business community to learn and thrive,” said Amanda Hernandez, San Bernardino’s director of economic development. “San Bernardino is strategically located, offers a diverse and talented workforce, and is a favorable business environment. The U.S. SBDC has recognized that San Bernardino is rapidly becoming a hub of business opportunity.”
With a mission to foster economic growth, America’s SBDC provides business support services to both established and emerging businesses. By providing guidance, access to resources and industry expertise, the American SBDC has played a crucial role in shaping the success of countless businesses in the United States.
“Some of the biggest needs for small business owners are often access to capital, resources and mentors, and this conference will bring all three of those things together in one event,” said Mike Daniel, SBDC California Regional Director of the Americas. “Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar business, a professional services firm, or a home-based business, this event will help any type of small business owner find ways to grow and expand their business.”
“Small businesses are very important to the city of San Bernardino,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “Partnering with the SBDC to host the Small Business Conference is just another way we’re working to help them grow their businesses and thrive.”
Conference space is limited and the event is nearing capacity. To register, contact America’s SBDC at (800) 616-SBDC.
For more information or to view the detailed conference agenda, click here here.
