Celebrating the Entrepreneurial Achievements of African Americans

February is African American History Month. Each year, since 1926, our country pays tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. This year, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are proud to collaborate with the Durfee Innovation Society to highlight entrepreneurialism and showcase successful African American small business owners.

Discover how SBA funded programs can help foster business ownership and enrich the human spirit of Detroit. Be inspired by those who created their own path, who chose entrepreneurship, and who built a legacy for the next generation of African American trailblazers.

Date: February 28, 2020
Time: Registration and Refreshments at 8:30 a.m. Program Begins at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood Street, Detroit, MI 48206

Agenda

9:00 a.m. Welcome

• Constance Payne Logan, SBA Michigan District Director
• Robert Scott III, SBA Midwest Regional Administrator
• Michael L. Polsinelli, HUD Field Office Director
• Joseph P. Galvan, HUD Regional Administrator

9:30 a.m. You Can Reach Your Dreams! We can Help.

• Wendy Thomas, Southeast MI Small Busines Development Center
• Angela, Mitchell, SCORE Mentor
• Abron Andrews, VetBizCentral
• Shawntay Dixon, Great Lakes Women’s Business Council
• Belinda Turner-Dubois, CEED Lending
• Dr. Joyce Suber, Moving Women Forward

10:15 a.m. Igniting the Entrepreneurial Community

Moderator: Robin Kinnie, Motor City Woman and Audio Engineers of Detroit

• Teberah Alexander, Excelling Nursing Academy, Compassionate Home Care, and Kathelene's Adult Day Center
• Tarolyn Buckles, Onyx Enterprises
• Pamela Mack, Bricks for Kids
• Jeff Thomas, Sweet Potato Sensations
• Victoria Washington/Autumn Kyles, Detroit Dough

11:15 a.m. Supporting Entrepreneurism at the Durfee Innovation Society
– What’s Next? Constance Payne Logan