On September 28th, 2024, the Lapis Lazuli Community Center in Aurora, Colorado, was alive with enthusiasm as the Business and Career Development Symposium unfolded. Hosted by the Colorado African Cultural Center in collaboration with HopeHall and sponsored by ZICT, Business 101 Services, CACC, and HopeHall, the event drew over 50 engaged participants. Attendees gathered to delve into topics on entrepreneurship, career growth, and financial literacy.
The thoughtfully crafted agenda covered a range of topics tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. Each session focused on empowering participants and providing them with essential tools for success.
Event Highlights
A Comprehensive Business Startup Package
This all-day event, held On Sept 28th, from 9 am to 4 pm, featured a lineup of esteemed speakers, including Anne and Darin Overstreet, President and Vice President of Minuteman Aurora, who shared insights from their business journey. They brought along business packages and materials to support attendees in understanding practical tools for business growth. Another notable speaker, Kerian, CEO of Tenderhands LLC, guided those interested in launching healthcare ventures, detailing essential steps for success in the industry.
Central to the symposium was the comprehensive Business Startup Package, designed specifically for entrepreneurs in healthcare and general business sectors. This valuable package offered essential strategies for business launch and emphasized common challenges new entrepreneurs frequently face.
Throughout the day, sessions covered critical areas of business startup, such as market research and regulatory compliance. A compelling statistic shared highlighted that 50% of new businesses fail within their first five years due to insufficient planning. This emphasis on preparation underscored the symposium's commitment to equipping participants with the knowledge and resilience needed to become successful business leaders.
Thanks to Our Event Speakers
Career Skill Development and Resume Optimization
Andrea Law, Economic Opportunity Lead at Kaiser Permanente, captivated the audience with her insights into career skill development. Her session offered invaluable guidance for attendees eager to enhance their resumes and job-search strategies.
Participants engaged in hands-on exercises to refine their personal narratives and craft standout resumes. With studies indicating that 80% of resumes are screened out before reaching a hiring manager, Andrea emphasized the crucial role of clear and compelling self-presentation in advancing one’s career.
Financial Management for Expense Tracking, Investment, and Forecasting
Tony Frimpong, President of Jeroyaf Accounting & Tax Services, and Emmanuel Eliason, CEO of Eliason Wealth Management, led an impactful session on financial planning, wealth building, and management. They covered essential topics such as expense tracking, investment strategies, and accurate financial forecasting crucial skills for both personal and business finances.
Tony’s engaging approach inspired attendees to apply new strategies in financial planning and wealth building, empowering them to create healthier financial foundations. A survey at the session's close revealed that 75% of attendees felt more confident in their financial management and wealth-building skills.
Digital Literacy for Marketing and Customer Engagement
Zoe , CEO of ZoeyGlow/African Elegance and Jessica Campore,Director of Cika Media led an engaging workshop on digital literacy. Her session focused on marketing, customer engagement, and automation tools & AI, emphasizing the need for business owners to adapt to the digital landscape.
Zoe shared success stories of businesses that doubled their customer engagement by integrating digital marketing tools. This segment highlighted that in today’s world, leveraging technology is not optional-it is essential for growth and success.
The Grant Application Toolkit
Samuel Ogah, Founder of CACC, addressed the challenges many entrepreneurs face in securing initial funding. To support this, the symposium provided a specialized toolkit on grant applications, equipping participants with essential resources to navigate the often complex process. This session was filled with practical insights and valuable information designed to positively impact the growth path of new ventures.
Networking Opportunities
A highlight of the symposium was the ample networking opportunities. Breakout rooms allowed participants to connect, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations.
The event’s format fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, transforming the workshop into a community-centered experience. Attendees left with valuable knowledge and new connections, opening doors to future partnerships.
Live Presentations
Engaging live presentations from industry leaders captivated the audience and prompted meaningful discussions. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, allowing participants to gather practical insights tailored to their careers and business goals.
The diversity of topics ensured that attendees departed with actionable knowledge they could readily apply in their respective fields.
Reflecting on the Experience
The Business and Career Development Symposium was more than just a workshop; it was a transformative event filled with inspiration and practical strategies. Participants left equipped with valuable skills, renewed motivation, and a clearer direction for achieving their career and entrepreneurial goals.
Events like this are essential for fostering growth and learning in a supportive environment. Through collaboration and shared experiences, everyone has the potential to reach their professional aspirations.
For those who attended, the insights gained will serve as a powerful springboard for future success. If you missed it, stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to empower yourself and take the next step in your career journey. We are committed to supporting all participants as they work toward their goals.
Be sure to join us next year and experience this empowering event firsthand!
