Annual Symposium to Focus on Small Businesses

More than 100 people attended the Minority Entrepreneur Interactive Solution Symposium in Robbins last year, and organizers said they expect twice that amount this year. Photo credit: Wendell Hutson
More than 100 people attended the Minority Entrepreneur Interactive Solution Symposium in Robbins last year, and organizers said they expect twice that amount this year. Photo credit: Wendell Hutson

Annual Symposium to Focus on Small Businesses

BY WENDELL HUTSON, Contributing Writer

One topic of discussion the second annual Minority Entrepreneur Interactive Solution Symposium will focus on is how small businesses impact local economies.

The free event runs from 12 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Robbins Community Center, 13800 S. Trumbull Ave. Refreshments will be served and speakers include AC Green, an author, financial adviser and motivational speaker; and Carol Bell, a vice president with East Lake Management Corp. in Chicago.

State Rep. Will Davis (D-30th) is among the individuals who will be honored at the event for his community service, and this year’s corporate sponsors include Nicor Gas, ComEd, Xfinity, and AT&T.

Nonprofits are also welcomed to attend but must RSVP online at meissexpo.org and pay a $25, refundable deposit to hold their spot, explained Robbins Mayor Tyrone Ward.

Last year, there were organizations which agreed to attend, Ward said, “but some were a no show and that left a lot of empty spaces,” he added. “So, we want to avoid that this year by asking organizations to make a commitment of $25 and we will refund their deposit in a few days.”

The village of Robbins is sponsoring the event because it wants to connect black entrepreneurs with small business owners, said Ward.

“This is a networking opportunity for entrepreneurs, small business owners and anyone wanting to learn more about starting a business,” added Ward. “The whole idea is to introduce those with the business knowledge with those seeking to gain it.”

Robbins resident, Stacey Williams, 32, attended last year’s symposium and plans to attend again this year. “I hope to start an accounting firm this year in Robbins once I secure financing which is my primary purpose for attending this year,” she said.

Wintrust Bank officials will be on hand to discuss funding options for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs like Williams.

Economically, Robbins is among the poorest municipalities in Illinois, according to census data, which list the predominately black south suburb with a 5,480 population and an average median income of $32,175, compared with the state median income of $60,960.

But Ward said the village is making progress with attracting new families to the area and improving its economic stance.

“Once the census is complete this year, it should show that Robbins has increased its population, which is a clear indication that people are starting to notice us as a viable alternative to living in Chicago,” said Ward. “I want to see Robbins as the mecca destination for living in the southlands, and I believe that can happen if we all work together.”

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