Highlighted by speaker Gee Smith, this event offers resources and networking to help future business owners.
Gaulien “Gee” Smith
The Burleigh Street Community Development Corporation (BSCDC) will hold a free Entrepreneur Fair on Thursday, November 14th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Forest County Potawatomi Foundation is the premier sponsor for the event which will take place at the Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club at 3000 N. Sherman Boulevard.
The fair will offer a variety of information to help aspiring business owners start their businesses on solid foundations.
Topics range from basics like writing a business plan to more complex financial concerns such as lending options, restoring credit and building banking relationships.
The keynote speaker will be Gaulien “Gee” Smith, owner of Gee’s Clippers, the well-known barbershop he has operated for nearly 18 years.
“We’re excited to launch this event because it provides yet another way to fulfill our mission of encouraging business development,” said Renée Lindner, BSCDC’s Outreach Manager.
“In addition to helping current businesses in our neighborhood, we’re also trying to help the next wave of entrepreneurs find the resources they need to succeed.”
All across America, small businesses have found success in the last two decades.
According to the Small Business Association’s website, the number of small businesses in the United States has increased 49 percent since 1982. In fact, 65 percent of the net new jobs created since 1995 have been generated by small businesses.
While the economy continues to pose challenges, the Entrepreneur Fair will provide encouragement, shining a spotlight on the opportunities, information and resources that are available to people who start small businesses.
Representatives from banks and credit unions, non-traditional lending agencies, the City; plus accountants, lawyers, insurance representatives and bookkeepers will be on hand to share their knowledge.
Beginning at 1:00 p.m. on November 14, the fair is free and open to the general public.
Anyone interested in attending should contact Renée Lindner at (414) 614-7085.
About the Burleigh Street Community Development Corporation Leading revitalization efforts since 1999 is the BSCDC, a coalition of people who live, worship, work and do business in the neighborhood. Our mission is to enhance the business environment in the Burleigh Street Commercial Corridor by conceiving and implementing economic development and community revitalization projects through the leverage of public-private partnerships that link city, county, state and federal governments with private investors, local corporations and foundations.
More information can be found at www.burleighstreet.org