FREE Entrepreneur & Small Business Symposium & Networking Event

This FREE one-day symposium will have content relevant to ALL entrepreneurs and small business owners with special topics specifically related to the unique perspective and needs of tribal entrepreneurs and business owners. Gain valuable insight to help on your entrepreneurship journey!

Featuring workshops/trainings, expert speakers, a panel, and a resource fair, this symposium will provide information and guidance on how to grow your business. Attendees will gain valuable insights into resources that lead to business success, and have opportunities for networking with fellow like-minded business owners and will be able to meet with a variety of organizations that provide resources and guidance to business owners.

Content tracks for existing and established businesses AND new or aspiring business owners will be provided.

NEW! This year we will be adding the Culture in Motion Native Fashion Show as part of the agenda.

Don't miss our opening keynote from Nia Grace, successful restaurateur and owner Grace by Nia restaurants.

Symposium will also feature a free lunch, gift bag and reception with networking resource fair.

AGENDA

Morning Sessions

8:00 - 9:00 | Check In: All attendees must be pre-registered and confirmed at check-in.

9:00 - 9:15 | Welcome

9:15 - 9:45 | Keynote Speaker

Nia Grace of Grace by Nia Restaurant at Foxwoods

9:45-11:45 | Speaker Sessions: Hear from speakers experienced in helping entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more about the organizations they represent and how they can help you.

• Small Business Association Services & Offerings for Small Businesses | Small Business Association (SBA)
• Small & Minority Business Certification | Connecticut Department of Administrative Services

Lunch Break

11:45-12:45 | Connect with speakers from participating organizations and fellow attendees while enjoying lunch.

Content Track Breakouts

We will offer two content tracks. One content track for existing and established businesses and one content track for new or aspiring business owners. Select the track that best fits your business.

Existing & Established Businesses

1 2:45 - 3:00 | Information Sessions: Learn how to take your business to the next level.

• Finance: Cash & Liquidity Management | Huntington Bank
• Business Expansion: Government Contracting | Connecticut Apex Accelerator
• Marketing: AI & Marketing | Wondr Nation

Aspiring & New Businesses

1 2:45 - 3:00 | Information Sessions: Learn how to set your new business up for success.

• Finance: No Fear Financials – Preparing Your Business for Success | Connecticut Small Business Development Center

• Business Expansion: Networking & Your Elevator Pitch | SCORE for Eastern Connecticut
• Marketing: Small Business Marketing Strategy | Women’s Business Development Council

Break

3:00-3:10 | Networking Break & Transition to Main Room

3:10- 3:30 | Organization Spotlights: Learn a little about the organizations that will be participating in the Resource Fair and how they can help your business.

Panel Session

3:30 - 4:30 | “Doing Business with Tribal Government” with Connecticut Apex Accelerator

Fashion Show

4:30 - 4:50 | Culture in Motion Tribal Fashion Show

Closing

4:50 - 5:00 | Closing and check presentations

Networking Reception & Resource Fair

5:00 - 7:00 | Enjoy light bites and refreshments while you connect with like-minded business owners and representatives from organizations focused on small business success.

Participating Organizations

We are proud to partner with amazing organizations for speakers and participants in this event.

Confirmed participating organizations included:

• Connecticut Apex Accelerator
• Small Business Administration
• Women’s Business Development Council
• Connecticut Small Business Development Center
• Connecticut Department of Administrative Services
• SCORE for Eastern Connecticut
• Huntington Bank
• Plus more at the Resource Fair

Brought to You By

This event was organized and sponsored by sponsored by Wondr Nation, and hosted by the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center.