Minority Business Summit

Description

Minority Business Summit 
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Vibrant Arena at the MARK, Moline

8:30 a.m. check-in | light breakfast
9 a.m. Program

$15 Members | $20 Non-members
 

The Minority Business Summit is designed to empower and equip minority entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools to grow and succeed.

This full-day event features:

• Inspiring keynote address from a leader in business

• Interactive workshops on essential business topics

• Vendor booths offering valuable resources to strengthen your business

You?ll spend the day connecting with entrepreneurs, industry experts and potential partners. Along the way, you?ll gain knowledge, strengthen relationships and discover new opportunities to take your business further.

Exhibitor & Sponsor Opportunities Available! 

Show your support for small businesses by joining our Vendor Expo Area! 
$125 Members | $150 Non-members
Register by Friday, October 10 to take advantage of the Early Birdy Discount & receive $50 off vendor registration!

This is your chance to showcase your products, services and resources directly to entrepreneurs and business owners who are eager to connect with partners that can help them grow. Click here for the exhibitor details. To register an exhibitor booth, click here or contact: Joanna Drake at jdrake@quadcitieschamber.com or call 563.823.2656

Become an Event Sponsor! Through the support of our sponsors, the Quad Cities Chamber provides our members and business community with valuable resources, information and events such as the Minority Business Summit. If your business is interested in sponsoring this event, click here for the sponsorship details or contact:
Marcy Hyder at mhyder@QuadCitiesChamber.com or call 563.823.2690

Meet Our Keynote Speakers:

Abena Sankofa Imhotep
Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group

Abena is an award-winning author, scholar and activist whose work celebrates Africana, challenges historical narratives and advocates for a just world. 

As the CEO of Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group, Abena?s mission is two-fold: to create spaces for lifelong learning that center the literature and scholarship of Black authors and to work toward a world where all children love to read.  Abena's complete biography and personal mission.

Vanessa McNeal
Mental & Emotional Mastery Solutions
Vanessa is a transformational coach, national speaker and facilitator dedicated to developing high-achievers unlock clarity, confidence and authentic success through neuroscience-backed strategies. She is an instructor at Mind Body Green Institute and a certified Elite Life Coach. In 2024, Vanessa was accepted into the acclaimed Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business Program.


AGENDA
8:30 a.m.             Check-in, light breakfast & networking

9:00 a.m.             Welcome message

9:10 a.m.             Opening Keynote | Abena Sankofa Imhotep, Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group

10:00 a.m.           Exhibitor tables open

10:30 a.m.           Fueling your growth-access to capital | Alvaro Macias, Ascentra Credit Union,                                                                      Eileen Roethler, Quad City Bank & Trust, Frank Perez, Bridge Investment Community Development                                 Corporation (CDFI), Kelly McCarthy, US Bank, Lonnie Rays, Business Owner, Maria Ramos-Elisondo,                                   SBDC

11:10 a.m.           Breakout workshops
                            Option 1: Navigating Government contracts & certifications | Dr. Regina Smith,                                      Strategic Exceptions
                            Option 2: Accounting essentials | Molly Mayfield, GreenFlex Financial

11:50 p.m.           Lunch and exhibitors

12:50 p.m.            Digital marketing | Jasmine Butler, KWQC

1:30 p.m.            AI for small business | Padmini Soni, Rezonance AI

2:10 p.m.            Closing Keynote | Vanessa McNeal, Mental & Emotional Mastery Solutions

2:50 p.m.            Closing remarks

3:00 p.m.            Program concludes