Virginia Beach Economic Development Invites Small Business Owners to the SWaM Business Forum on October 23

October 9, 2018

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Oct. 8, 2018 – The Annual Small, Women- and Minority-owned Business Forum will be held on October 23 at the new Zeiders American Dream Theater, 4509 Commerce St, Virginia Beach.

This free event, sponsored by TowneBank and Inside Business, is organized by Virginia Beach Economic Development and Department of Purchasing to introduce strategic business partners in the arts and entertainment industries. For more information or to register visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com/sbdw.The Forum provides small business owners an opportunity to hear from local experts and stakeholders about the various facets of small business and entrepreneurship.

8:30 a.m. REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING 9:00 a.m.

WELCOME City of Virginia Beach OPENING REMARKS Office of Senator Mark R. Warner 9:15 a.m.

GUEST SPEAKER Mike Zeiders Zeiders American Dream Theater 9:45 a.m. PANEL DISCUSSION Small Business and Entrepreneurship in the Entertainment/Performing Arts Industry: Mike Zeiders, Zeiders American Theater; William "Woody" Prettyman, Studio Center; David Semon, Sandler Center 11:00 a.m.

KEMPSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY11:30 a.m.

CERTIFICATIONS AND YOUR BUSINESS - With Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council 12:00 p.m.

LUNCH: BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION SESSION

The SWaM Forum and workshops throughout the year are part of Virginia Beach Economic Development's small business outreach program. Other resources include networking opportunities, business mentoring, outreach events, procurement training, 1 Million Cups entrepreneurial engagement program, resource connections, site selection assistance, market research and business license assistance. A few key statistics on the importance of small business growth include:

95% of Virginia Beach businesses have 50 or fewer employees SWaM-certified companies are twice as likely to receive grant funding
33% of all startups in the region are located in Virginia Beach Additionally, Virginia Beach has an online Small Business Toolbox to navigate the way.

The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to attract and retain national and international businesses to stimulate capital investment and create jobs. The Department of Economic Development received re-accreditation through the International Economic Development Council in 2016 and is one of only 50 economic development organizations in the world to have this recognition. Virginia Beach was named America's #1 best big city to live in by wallethub.com. For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com.