Oswego County Small Business Summit

oswego county small business summit

Operation Oswego County and Onondaga Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are proud to present the Oswego County Small Business Summit 2024. This premier event is dedicated to empowering Oswego’s small business community, whether you're an established business owner or just starting on your entrepreneurial journey.

Why Attend?
The Summit is designed to provide you with the essential tools, resources, and connections to help you start, grow, and strengthen your business. By bringing together a diverse array of local, state, and federal resource partners, we’re offering you access to valuable insights and expert advice on the critical issues facing small businesses today.

Event Highlights:

Expert Panels & Workshops: Gain knowledge from industry experts on a variety of small business topics, from financing and marketing to legal compliance and business planning.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share experiences, and forge new partnerships.
One-on-One Consultations: Meet directly with experts who can provide personalized advice and guidance tailored to your business needs.

Event Details:

Date: October 9th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Tailwater Lodge, Pulaski, NY

Join Us
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your business and connect with the community. Whether you're looking to launch a new venture, expand an existing business, or simply gain new perspectives, the Oswego County Small Business Summit is the place to be.
Register today and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.

Sessions

Access to Finance & Funding: Let’s talk the road to capital lending.

Our expert speakers from the banking and lending industry will provide valuable insights on what lenders look for in loan applications and how to effectively collaborate with financial institutions to secure the capital necessary for your business. Discover the secrets to successfully navigating the lending process and explore the latest products and services offered by financial institutions to support your business development.

Panelists:
Kevin LaMontagne, Business Finance Director, Operation Oswego County
Dan Rickman, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration
Bill Bower, VP – Business Banking Team Leader, Pathfinder Bank
Honora Spillane, VP - Economic Development, CenterStateCEO

The Exit Strategy: Preparing for Your Next Phase

Presented by: Bob Griffin, Regional Director, Onondaga SBDC

Why the heck are you doing this to yourself anyway? What’s the point of owning a business if you don’t have a documented plan to get out of it? In this fast-paced session, learn about why what you think you know about exiting your business is probably wrong, and why exit planning is simply good business strategy.

What’s Hot: Marketing & Communication Tools for Small Business

Presented By: Alexandra Fitzpatrick, Marketing & Communications Manager, Operation Oswego County

Uncover the most up-to-date tools and tactics that will drive your small business to thrive in the digital era. This class offers valuable insights and actionable tips to elevate your brand's visibility and expand your reach. From mastering the fundamentals of social media planning to implementing effective marketing strategies, you'll gain practical knowledge to connect with your target audience and outshine competitors.

Discover the Power of AI for Small Businesses

Presented By: Greg Chanese, Business Advisor – SBDC, University at Albany

Artificial intelligence has become a hot topic in the small business community, but are you ready to harness its potential for your business? Join us and learn how AI can enhance your business operations, automate tasks, analyze data and improve customer interactions. Hear from our expert speaker, a co-leader of the National AI Interest Group for the Small Business Development Center, who will provide invaluable guidance.

Starting a New Business in 30 Minutes

Presented By: Kellie Greene, SBDC Business Advisor, Onondaga SBDC

Starting a business can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. In this session you'll learn the essential foundational steps to transform your idea into a successful venture, from developing a solid business plan to understanding the legal and financial aspects of entrepreneurship. Whether you're new to entrepreneurship or seeking to strengthen your understanding, this session provides the core knowledge needed to build a successful business from the ground up.

How to make mwbe certification work for your small Business

Presented By: Keyona Kelly, SBDC Business Advisor, Onondaga SBDC

Navigating MWBE Certification can be a daunting task on your own. Presentation will cover determining eligibility, how to prepare and navigate the application process, and how to proceed with MWBE procurement opportunities once approved. Following the presentation, attendees will have time for general questions regarding the benefits of certification.

Effective workforce solutions & Strategies

Presented by: Rachel Pierce, Executive Director, Workforce Development of Oswego County

Join us for an interactive session where we will showcase our comprehensive business services, including on-the-job training, customized programs, and recruitment assistance, designed to create a skilled workforce. Learn how our jobseeker support initiatives help individuals retain employment through supportive services and upskill training for promotions.