Get signed in, network, and grab breakfast bites.

Welcoming Address from the City of Moline: Alderman Abdur Razzaque

Event Welcome: Catherine Tran, Executive Director

Sponsor Remarks: Ying Sa, Community CPA

Keynote: LaDrina Wilson, Iman Consulting

These will be held in individual breakout rooms. Select the room that fits your business life and needs.

• How the Election Will Impact Taxes

  Ying Sa, CEO & Managing Partner, Community CPA

  Get ready: The upcoming presidential and congressional elections may significantly affect taxes for businesses in the U.S. As a business owner, you might be wondering what’s coming up in the future and how the changes will impact you. Community CPA is bring you a summary of 2024 tax changes to know, potential changes coming ahead, and how to plan for your taxes.  

• How to Start a Business Right Now

  Thomas Trone, SCORE Small Business Advisor, SCORE Quad Cities

  With the many challenges facing businesses today, it may feel risky to start a business. And where does one even begin? In this session, you’ll be introduced to the essential tasks of pre-planning prior to beginning a business plan. You will also learn about understanding a business plan and the resources available to help you through the process, at no or little cost.

• Behind the Curtain – Small Business Credit Basics

  Gabe Wells, VP Commercial Banking Officer, Fortress Bank

  Have you applied for a business loan, or thought about it, and gotten lost in the mysterious world of business credit and underwriting? This session will go through some common types and programs for credit available to small businesses, what banks and other lenders look for and review for those requests, things to consider when weighing options (including the responsibilities a business owner has when receiving a loan!), and finally some best practices for effectively deciding if debt is beneficial to your business and how to best use it.

Participants are encouraged to visit exhibitors.

Second Session of concurrent breakout rooms. Select the workshop that fits your business life and needs.

• From Vision to Success: Master Business Growth Strategies with 3 Key Business Tools

  Victor Oyervides, Outreach Development Counselor, America’s SBDC Iowa

  This workshop is designed to introduce a streamlined yet comprehensive approach to using these key tools, Business Model Canvas, SWOT Analysis, and Action Planning to ensure participants leave with practical, actionable insights and steps for business growth and success. Additionally, Victor will touch on the State’s Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a $96 million investment aimed at fostering the growth of small businesses.

• Green Card and Work Visa options for Entrepreneurs

  Xavier Francis, Founder and Managing Attorney

  This presentation will explore key U.S. visa options for entrepreneurs, covering both immigrant and non-immigrant pathways. We’ll highlight the EB-1A for extraordinary ability, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver for exceptional talent, the O-1 visa for high-achieving individuals, the L-1 visa for international executives and managers, and more. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and strategic considerations to help entrepreneurs secure the right visa for their business ventures in the United States.

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Participants are encouraged to visit exhibitors.

Our luncheon is a time of inspiration where we celebrate the success stories of immigrant entrepreneurs, businesses, and those who champion them.

Panel: Immigrant Business Struggles & Successes

• Ying Sa, CEO & Managing Partner, Community CPA
• Xavier Francis, Founder & Managing Attorney, Francis Law
• Ayawa Fiawonou, Owner, D El Magnifico Boutique

Participants are encouraged to visit exhibitors.

Final Session of our workshop speakers. Select the session that fits your business life and needs.

• Six Keys To Getting What You Want From Your Business 

  Kristin Berry, Owner, Be Ten Consulting – EOS Worldwide 

  Business owners can get everyone in your company 100% on the same page with where you’re going and how you plan to get there; Instill focus, discipline, and accountability so that everyone executes on that vision – every day; AND Help your leaders become a more cohesive, functional, healthy leadership team. Sound too good to be true? This session will discuss a set of timeless concepts and practical, proven tools for getting more of what you want from your entrepreneurial journey through the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS).  

• Building A Better Brand 

  Alfred Ramirez, President, Diverse Strategies Now 

  Want to present yourself and your brand in the best way, one that authentically demonstrates who you are and what your business is about? This session will help you clarify the foundations (Anatomy) of Your BRAND – your distinct leader values, qualities, talents, products and services; Achieve goals, better collaborate, stand out, and leave a legacy/imprint everywhere; Differentiate yourself with your authenticity and leverage that on all types of platforms and relationships. Join this engaging environment that offers lively idea exchanges and the sharing of diverse experiences. 

• Getting Certified to Work with State and Federal Agencies

  Mary Zimmerman, DBE Support Services Program Manager, CIRAS

  Think that the government only wants to work with the big businesses? You’re probably thinking you will never get attention for contracts. But what if you can tap into the government market? There are many products and services the government buys to ensure its operations run well. Join in to learn how you can get certified!

Closing Ceremony and Giveaways