Helping Black Businesses Grow.

Feb. 26 conference in Detroit focuses on assisting entrepreneurs

DETROIT -- Current and aspiring African American business owners may be able to boost their businesses by investing five hours at the 2008 Black Business Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

The Rev. Wendell Anthony,

Workshops also will help Detroit area entrepreneurs develop successful small businesses from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Fellowship Chapel, 7707 W. Outer Drive (near the Southfield Freeway), Detroit.

Co-sponsored by Chase, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the seventh annual Black Business Conference will offer four workshops between 9:30 a.m. and noon. A $30 conference fee includes the programs as well as continental breakfast and lunch. Space is limited, so call (313) 256-0576 to register or for more information.

Participants can attend two of the four workshops:

* Michigan Chronicle Senior Editor Bankole Thompson will review the Black media's role in economic development in the African American community.

* Small-business funding with information on U.S. Small Business Administration guaranteed loans

* Information security experts' tips on protecting your business against fraud

* Experienced franchise owners sharing their formula for success

The formal program begins at 8:30 a.m. when William Herbert, president of Bloomfield Hills-based Cognometrics, discusses getting ready for global competition. He has helped the automotive industry develop vehicle safety systems during a 30-plus year career in technology and design. Michigan Chronicle Publisher Sam Logan serves as master of ceremonies.

"We want to provide practical advice and business insights that will help entrepreneurs build successful businesses," said Nancy Tochman, who manages Business Banking for Chase in Southeast Michigan. "As Michigan's No. 1 SBA lender in 2007, we know how to help business owners drive from dreams to realities and our small-business specialists can be found at any of Chase's 289 Michigan branches."

The SBA helped design and has co-sponsored the conference since 2002.

"During these tough economic times, our collaboration with Chase and Alpha Phi Alpha could not be more important," said Richard Temkin, district director for the SBA's Michigan District Office. "SBA continues its longstanding commitment to small business and our partners to ensure access to financial and technical resources."

Community service and advocacy are part of the mission of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

"The Black Business Conference provides an excellent climate to promote entrepreneurship," said Alonzo Terry, president of the Detroit chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. "Through the collaboration with Chase and the SBA, we've created an event that sets a high bar for other cities in creating business opportunities."

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is the nation's oldest traditionally black fraternity. Chase operates a network of 289 branches and 430 ATMs in Michigan. The SBA's mission is to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small business.