7th Annual Powerup DC 2021 Small Business Summit

TRACK A (New Businesses and Start Ups) – Moving in the Right Direction: Business Development Resources

Starting and planning a new business is not only exciting but can also be overwhelming and challenging. In this track of 2 workshops, participants will learn how to get on the right foot with useful small business tools. They will also learn about business resources and strategies available to help turn business ideas into marketplace realities including information about needed licensing and permits, development of a business plan, marketing, networking, technology and access to capital.

TRACK B (Established Businesses) – Keep It Moving: Sustain, Grow and Prosper

Now that your business is up and running well, you’re beginning to feel there’s not enough hours in a day to handle all the things needed to keep the business growing and prospering. In this track of 2 workshops, established businesses will hear from experts on how: to create a more productive company from delegation of responsibilities to use of technology such as AI(Artificial Intelligence, which can help automate everyday business practices; to access traditional and nontraditional financing including federal and local programs; to apply for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); to protect and secure data files and apply branding and marketing techniques, effective management skills, human resource practices, and management of client relations.

TRACK C (Non-Profits and Faith-Based) – Accelerating Capacity to Strengthen Efficiency and Sustainability

One of the most understated skill sets in building a strong infrastructure foundation in non-profit organizations and faith-based institutions is capacity building. In this track of 2 workshops, panelists will share information about competencies to support, shape, and build nonprofits and faith-based organizations and to assist leaders to be more effective and sustainable in their mission to enrich lives and solve intractable problems in our community. Experts will share information about the investments of organizational self-assessment and development, fundraising skills, alternative financial resources, recruitment and volunteerism, communications and marketing, partnership development, technology inclusion, program outcome measurements, leadership expansion, succession planning, and stakeholder and community engagement.

TRACK D (Women Business Owners) – Cracking the Glass Ceiling

The glass ceiling allegory has often been used to describe invisible barriers through which women have had to inch through to gain a place in the business arena. However, the nation is busting loose with women-owned businesses and more women with entrepreneurial aspirations and unique perspectives are finding their rightful place in the business world. Despite the impact of the pandemic and the lack of venture capital funding, comparable to their male counterparts, women represent 25% of all new businesses nationwide, In this track of 2 workshops, women business owners and experts will explore transformational tactics to sharply define the vision for their business goals and to leverage their voice to articulate their value. ‘Mompreneurs’ (moms turned business owners) will learn the pitfalls to avoid in establishing businesses, the resources to embrace and at the same time how to live guilt free while producing a profitable venture.

TRACK E (Young Business Minded Entrepreneurs) – Fostering Early Entrepreneurship

Today many youth and young adult have values, creativity and vision to pursue their business goals and aspirations. This session is designed for young business minded entrepreneurs, who have great ideas for starting home-based and other businesses. Panelists will share information about the basic rudiments and necessary tools for starting, growing, and sustaining a business. Tips on developing a solid business plan, creative marketing, the use of technology, leveraging operational best practices and managing cash flow will be shared. Additionally, successful youth and young adult entrepreneurs will share their success stories and lessons learned.

Sign Up for Speed Networking with Small Business Resource Experts and Professionals
(Space is Limited)

Want to make expand your professional network and make contact business resource experts who can give you savvy business tips and advice? Then sign up for the small business speed networking session to meet in a small group setting with government and private sector professionals who will share experiences and answer your most pressing business questions. You have 10 minutes in each of four breakout rooms to network with other business owners and get the latest information about government and private sector procurement and contracting opportunities, grants, micro loans, and more. Meet with communication professionals for advice on tailored marketing strategies and use of technology to advance and streamline your business operations, know what business permits and licensing you need and the legal requirements to do business.