Boom Conference assists minority and women owned businesses

The City of Memphis’ Office of Resources and Enterprise (MORE) and City Purchasing will host the BOOM Conference (Businesses Open for Opportunities), targeting minority and women business owners in Memphis, April 30 at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel and May 1 at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn. 

The conference, conducted through a partnership of the Black Business Association (BBA), General Services Administration (GSA) and The United States Black Chamber of Commerce (USBC), was conceived just after a major announcement by the mayor in January to direct more energy and resources to spur the growth of minority and women owned businesses. This announcement created the catalyst that spurred a collaboration among local and federal organizations that led to the creation of the BOOM Conference.

The Conference combines several events, previously scheduled by these organizations at different times of the year, into one conference. Encompassing a number of diverse elements, the conference is designed to provide information, resources and assistance to help business owners achieve their goals.   “We want to meet businesses where they are no matter what stage of business they are in and help them grow by matching them with opportunities to achieve their business success,” said Alandas Dobbins, director of MORE. 

Opening the BOOM Conference the first day will be the MORE Power Summit, which will provide businesses with knowledge of Memphis’ lending resources, the government procurement process and upcoming projects and opportunities for which businesses attending the conference may choose to bid. Conference attendees will have an opportunity to meet procurement officials from government, retail and corporations, explore best business practices, attend a Shark-Tank style competition and hear Lisa Price (founder of Carol’s Daughter’s skin care products) share her personal journey about how she transformed her home-based business into a multi-million dollar deal with L’Oréal.

Building on the momentum of the first day, the second day of the BOOM Conference will feature the USBC Solution Series where attendees will be able to identify ways to access to capital nationally, receive entrepreneurial training and participate in a town hall meeting hosted by Black Enterprise Magazine. Wrapping up the conference will be the Black Business Association Benny Awards, featuring guest speaker Susan Taylor of Essence Magazine. 

Click here to register or find out more information.