NOVEMBER 1, 2024 9AM TO 4PM AT HOLLYWOOD CASINO GREEKTOWN IN DETROIT
ABOUT THIS YEAR'S EVENT
The National Entrepreneurs Association presents the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Friday November 1, 2024 from 9am to 4pm at Hollywood Casino Greektown in Detroit. This one-day event is designed to provide high level training for entrepreneurs and business owners to grow and sustain successful businesses from some of the best business minds in the country. This year's theme is "Profitability" and will focus on profit-driving strategies that will help entrepreneurs develop a greater understanding of business finances, establish stronger market presence, retain clients and make more profit than before. Sponsored by Dell Technologies & Comerica Bank.
Conference registration $97. Includes breakfast & lunch. NEA member discount available with promo code. Parking free.
2024 Keynote Speaker Herman Moore
Entrepreneur and Former Detroit Lions Wide Receiver
Topic: How to Achieve Greater Profits in Your Business
NEA is excited to welcome Herman Moore, Founder and CEO of Team 84, LLC, a certified Minority Business holding company. A serial entrepreneur, Moore has put together a family of companies operating as a full suite of services, which includes a full-service marketing and communications agency, national contract manufacturing, e-commerce platform development, employee incentive programs, and business intelligence platforms.
Moore entered into business in the early 2000s after a 12-year career as one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL league history. He spent 11 seasons with the Detroit Lions (1991-2001) and one with the New York Giants (2002), selected by the Lions in the first round (10th overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft.
At the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Moore will share his story along with proven strategies entrepreneurs and business owners can use to obtain greater profitability in business.
2024 Afternoon Moderator Angela Moore
Founder/CEO of The Body Principle
With years of experience in the mental and physical health industry, Integrative Health Expert Angela T. Moore has helped countless individuals strengthen their minds and bodies through an integrative health approach, using proven therapeutic interventions, effective exercise methods, and healthy lifestyle strategies. She holds a master’s in counseling from Oakland University and a master’s in business management from Walsh College, as well as a bachelor’s in sociology from University of Virginia. She is a NASM Master Trainer with specializations in Corrective Exercise, Performance Enhancement, Fitness Nutrition, and Group Personal Training. She is also a wellness blog contributor to A Healthier Michigan.
Angela is the founder and CEO of The Body Principle which provides Integrative health presentations, workshops, mental health counseling and integrative health coaching to organizations and school systems. Angela is also the founder and CEO of Empowered by Angela, which strives to provide education, information, and resources to empower individuals to achieve mental and physical health and overall wellbeing.
At the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Angela will lead a "Fireside Chat" with husband Herman Moore.
Is your business profitable? Attend the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference and learn proven strategies from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts to generate more profits in your business. . .
Event Highlights
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2 Dynamic Keynote Speakers
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8 Breakout Sessions
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2 Power Packed Panel Discussions
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Numerous Business Resources
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Exhibitors/Vendors
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Breakfast Buffet
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Power Networking Lunch
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Entrepreneur Awards
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Giveaways and More
*Picture from 2023 NEA Entrepreneurs Forum at Hollywood Casino Greektown in May.
Conference Agenda at a Glance
FEATURED SPEAKERS
CEO of Gwen Thomas PR
Public Relations: Telling your Story to Appeal to your Audience
Gwen Thomas
Gwen Thomas has forged a dynamic and diverse career across multiple industries, showcasing her exceptional adaptability and expertise. Her journey has traversed the realms of the securities industry, broadcast media, beverage, health and beauty sector, sports, and entertainment, as well as education. Notably, she stands as a trailblazer in the field of Promotional Marketing & PR. For 25 years Gwen spearheaded an entertainment marketing business that spanned 10 states. Her clientele boasted industry giants such as Proctor & Gamble, General Motors, Miller Brewing Company, Chrysler, Colgate, Ford, Budweiser, Pepsi, AT&T, Home Depot and more. She orchestrated large-scale entertainment events in 20 U.S. cities, showcasing her adept management skills with renowned figures like Mary J Blige, Yolanda Adams, Phyllis Hyman, Maze, JayZ and more.
Gwen Thomas stands as an esteemed international speaker. At the 2024 Entrepreneur & Small Business Conference she will discuss how to tell your story to more effectively connect with your target market, gain greater rapport and increase your bottom line.
Sue Voyles
Certified Life Coach at Word and Vision Consulting
Topic: How to Pitch to Funders
Sue Voyles is a Partner in Word and Vision Consulting, Inc. where she is a Certified Life Coach and freelance journalist. In 1999, she founded Logos Communications Inc., an award-winning PR and marketing agency. After significantly growing the business for 24 years, she sold it to one of her team members who started as an intern at the agency. She earned a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in 2015. Sue has a master’s degree from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree from Madonna University. Sue works part-time as a Marketplace Chaplain and volunteers for hospice. She is married to Ken and they have two adult children. An avid sports fan, her hobbies include fitness, fiber arts, reading and watching superhero movies.
At the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Sue will share how she has been able to successfully pitch her business along with winning strategies you can use to get the results you want to fund your business.
Monica Morgan
International Photojournalist and Speaker
Topic: Transform Your Business with Cell Phone Photography
Monica Morgan is a globally recognized photojournalist with nearly four decades of marketing experience through the lens of her camera, Monica has crafted compelling stories for clients like Aretha Franklin, Halle Berry, Shirley Chisolm, Associated Press, Getty Images, Amazon, Real Times Media, Disney and Oakland County.
In addition to photojournalism, Monica specializes in event documentation and corporate headshots, providing a wide array of professional photography services. Her work, including the iconic re-enactment image of Rosa Parks, is available worldwide through Getty Images. Beyond her photography, Monica inspires others through global speaking engagements, workshops, seminars, and mentoring programs. She uses her experiences to motivate, transform, and teach self-discovery, self-determination, and self-esteem. Her passion and dedication make her a luminary in photojournalism.
At the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference she will teach entrepreneurs and speakers how to capture stunning images and use them strategically to boost business and visibility.
MORE CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
(partial listing)
Denise Everett
CEO and Chairman of Global Technology Associates
Topic: How to Find the Right Staff for Your Business
Denise Everett is CEO and Chairman of the Board for Global Technology Associates. She worked at GTA for 12 years as the HR Manager then purchased the company in 2018 and has been CEO for 5 years now. The company was solely focused on the automotive industry and is now diversified into healthcare, aerospace, and construction. Her newest venture: In 2023 three Minority Business Owners collaborated to start Empower Charge Alliance LTD, a workforce development company to train returning citizens, college students, and underdeveloped communities on installing and providing maintenance on EV Charging Station and Solar Panels.
At the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Denise will discuss strategies to help business owners recruit and hire quality staff.
Rance Thomas
Licensed Financial Advisor
Topic: Money Moves, The Blueprint to Smart Entrepreneurial Investing
Rance Thomas is a licensed Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, where he works with individuals, entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profits to help them reach their goals, dreams and financial needs. With his vast background and experience in Finance, he brings a slightly different perspective to his role as a Financial Advisor. Serving his clients' best interest, without exception, is a responsibility he takes very seriously. Rance takes the time to get to know each client's goals, needs and current financial situation before making recommendations. He also meets them where they are and on their own terms – all while keeping them focused on what is most important to them, especially in times of stress or major life changes.
At the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Rance will discuss 10 rules of the road for investing to help entrepreneurs learn the fundamental concepts of investing and strategies to help build wealth.
Van Allen
Founder/Owner of Van Allen Productions
Topic: How NEA Certification Can Help You Grow Your Business Panel
Van Allen is a lifelong entrepreneur. He began his career in investing over 25 years ago. His primary investments include real estate and blue chip stocks as well as numerous entrepreneurial ventures. He is an award winning motivational speaker and former cable talk show host. He has received numerous speaking awards including first place in the District 28 World Championship of Public Speaking Contest for Toastmasters International. His signature presentation “Are You a Winner” encourages audiences to step out of their comfort zone to reach their true potential. He attended Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University. He is a Master NLP Practitioner and founder of Van Allen Productions.
At the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Van will lead a panel discussion on how the NEA Comerica Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Certification program can help you take your business to new heights.
Nilda Thomas, MBA
CEO, President & Certified AI Consultant at Business AI Consulting
Topic: Solving Small Business Challenges with AI
Nilda Thomas, MBA/eBusiness is a Certified AI Consultant with over 20 years of experience in marketing technology solutions for industry leaders like Deloitte, Microsoft, AT&T, and EDS, where she addressed the business and marketing challenges of Fortune 500 companies. Known for her innovative and results-driven approach, Nilda has consistently been at the forefront of bringing new technologies to market earning her recognition in Black Enterprise, Hispanic Women in Business, Women in e-Commerce, SPEAKERS magazines, and Who’s Who in America. Currently, Nilda leads Business AI Consulting LLC, offering AI consulting and Fractional CMO services that enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and drive sustainable growth for small businesses and nonprofits. She specializes in blending AI with business strategy and marketing to help organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation. Additionally, Nilda provides AI staff and employee training, ensuring teams are equipped to leverage AI effectively.
At the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference she will discuss how small business owners can use AI to solve current challenges they face in their businesses from automation to content creation, marketing and more.
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Monica Levin
Inner Guidance Coach| Holistic Nutritionist | Body Language Trainer
Topic: How Every Entrepreneur Can Create Multiple Streams of Income Panel Discussion
Monica Levin has been a holistic health coach since 1998, guiding clients to enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being through personalized coaching, online courses, books, talks, and workshops. She specializes in helping individuals who struggle with uncertainty and self-doubt in their holistic health journey to transition from feeling stuck and disconnected to feeling empowered, confident, and self-assured. By teaching inner guidance communication and decision-making techniques, Monica enables clients to tap into their intuition, trust their inner wisdom, and make choices aligned with their values and goals. These skills are particularly valuable for business professionals and entrepreneurs, helping them make confident decisions, improve focus, and foster a stronger sense of purpose in their careers. Monica’s approach leads to a more balanced, fulfilling life, where clients transform their health, reduce stress and anxiety, break through limitations, and unlock their unique potential.
Shelisa Fields
Founder of Williamson Ross Financial
Topic: How Every Entrepreneur Can Create Multiple Streams of Income Panel Discussion
Shelisa Fields, founder of Williamson Ross Financial, is an investment advisor to business owners and people who are self-employed. As a business owner herself, Shelisa understands the unique challenges entrepreneurs face and has tailored her practice to alleviate some of those challenges. She developed customized processes that make working with Williamson Ross Financial seamless, while simplifying the complexities of financial strategies for her clients.
Shelisa places a high value on ethical, honest service, and on guiding clients through their financial goals and options while respecting their time and priorities. She is also passionate about giving back to the community by promoting financial education and accessibility. Since 2021, she has provided free financial literacy instruction to students in under-served communities. In 2024, she launched "Teach One," an initiative that offers personal finance education to adults who lack access to professional advice.
Deana Neely
Award Winning Entrepreneur | Founder & CEO of Detroit Voltage
Topic: How Every Entrepreneur Can Create Multiple Streams of Income Panel Discussion
Deana Neely is an award-winning distinguished trailblazer in the electrical contracting industry and a true powerhouse in her field. With over a decade of experience in construction, Deana proudly serves as the visionary founder and CEO of Detroit Voltage, Detroit, Michigan's leading and fastest-growing residential electrical contracting firm—a source of pride as a black woman-owned business. Deana's reputation as an industry expert is firmly established, earning awards and recognition from organizations such as the Google, JP Morgan Chase, Essence, DTE Energy, the esteemed Forbes Next 1000 List, MMSDC (Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council) & GLWBC (Great Lakes Women’s Business Council). In addition to her outstanding professional achievements, Deana actively contributes to the industry's growth and diversity. She serves as a board member of the US Minority Contractor Association (USMCA Michigan Chapter).
Dr. Geneva Williams
CEO of Dr. Geneva Speaks
Topic: How Every Entrepreneur Can Create Multiple Streams of Income Panel Discussion
Geneva Williams is CEO of Dr. Geneva Speaks and creator of The Vibrant Life Blueprint©, which helps entrepreneurs and executives achieve extraordinary success and happiness. After a 40+ year career as an award-winning, nonprofit leader, raising millions for business and community causes, Dr. Geneva reinvented herself as an entrepreneur, author, and international speaker. Crain’s cites her as one of Detroit’s most influential women, NAWBO named her a leading businesswoman, and she received the Urban League’s Distinguished Warrior Award for Lifetime Achievement. Dr. Geneva is Chair of the Governor’s Michigan Women’s Commission, a commercial television actress, and host of Ignite2impact on iHeart Radio.
Megan Steenwyk
Senior Program Manager for Community Contracting at Vizient
Topic: Small Business Resources Panel Discussion
Megan Steenwyk is a Senior Program Manager for Community Contracting at Vizient and is responsible for developing key relationships to improve health outcomes by driving economic development and social impact in Michigan, as well as contracting opportunities for diverse businesses in the Midwest region and beyond. Her homebase is Grand Rapids where she was previously the Senior Business Services Manager at Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Megan executed and elevated programming for small business growth, with an emphasis on supplier diversity and economic inclusion. She facilitated a mentoring program for entrepreneurs of color, as well as led the West Michigan Minority Contractors program and the Business Growth Series. Prior to her role at the Chamber, Megan was a fundraising and communications professional at affordable housing organization, Family Promise. Her educational background includes a MBA from Michigan State University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration with a Community Health emphasis from Grand Valley State University.
Anthony Lewis
Outreach & Marketing Specialist
Michigan District Office U.S. Small Business Administration
Topic: Small Business Resources Panel Discussion
Anthony Lewis, an Outreach and Marketing Specialist, is the newest additional to SBA Michigan District Office team. Anthony represents the district office to a 29-county territory including Wayne County, Macomb County, and central Michigan. Anthony works to educate and inform small business owners about SBA services. He also works to build the SBA ecosystem with chamber of commerce and economic developments organizations. Prior to his service with the SBA, Anthony was employed by the US Congress and Macomb County.
Michael Wynn
Speaker | Author | CEO of Wynngate Associates, LLC
Topic: Small Business Resources Panel Discussion
Michael Wynn is a habit success strategist, author, and speaker, with a background that includes experiences in financial auditing, business compliance, and grant monitoring. His inspiration led him to get certified as an authenticity coach, financial literacy trainer, fraud examiner, and recently a NEA Certified Entrepreneur to empower individuals to be accountable and consistent with habits. He is the founder and CEO of Wynngate Associates, LLC and Coach Win, LLC, where he teaches, consults, and trains both individuals and business teams on financial literacy and professional development. Michael learned how to overcome many obstacles by using a “Habit Matrix” in which he shares with many to identify positive habits, energy, health, and wealth management for long-lasting stability and pathways to financial freedom. This also uniquely qualified him to write two bestselling books “Habits Don’t Lie” and “The Habit Effect” that provides creative solutions on winning.
Maryann Nutt
CEO of My Healthy Life
Topic: How NEA Certification Can Help You Grow Your Business Panel
After life threating health challenges, Maryann Nutt became the Founder and CEO of My Healthy Life, an expanding 1,300 square foot facility that services over 100 clients each week! As a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2007 with training in Oncology, Hospital, Lymphatic Wellness and more, she enjoys helping clients improve their health and walk out of her space with more mobility, less pain and a freedom that only God can give. Maryann is also a Health Practitioner with nutraMetrix focusing her training on genetic studies and isotonic supplements. As a Liteforce Deep Tissue Laser Technician, she has studied, followed protocols and worked with hundreds of clients helping them through photo modulation which she finds extremely rewarding.
At the 2024 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Maryann will share how the NEA Comerica Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Certification Program "transformed her mindset, abilities, focus and future."
Venue: Hollywood Casino Hotel at Greektown
Address:1200 Saint Antoine Street, Detroit, MI 48226
With a beautiful skyline and river view, this is the perfect venue for an entrepreneur conference.
Amenities include:
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Free Parking
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Stunning Guest Rooms
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Wifi Available
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Fitness Center with Gym
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Bar / Lounge
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Casino
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Entertainment
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Taxi Service
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Business Center
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Internet Access
CONNECT WITH OUR EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS
Pictures from 2023 Entrepreneurs Forum at Hollywood Casino in Detroit
Attention entrepreneurs and professionals! Don't miss the opportunity to connect with our amazing exhibitors and vendors, representing a variety industries with awesome products and services. Some are experts that provide services to support your business while others are entrepreneurs that you can support in their professional growth and development. Make sure you visit them in the main hall outside of the Grand Ballroom.
2024 Exhibitors/Vendors Include:
(partial listing)
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Comerica Bank
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Dell Technologies
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Small Business Administration
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National Entrepreneurs Association
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Williamson Ross Financial
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QT Business Solutions
There is still time to get your exhibitor/vendor space which includes:
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Two full conference registrations
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6 foot table with tablecloth
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Premium space outside ballroom
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Listing in program book
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Registration fee: $500
Testimonials from the NEA 2023 Conference
It was an OUTSTANDING EVENT! Many thanks to Dr ZaLonya Allen for her vision to support small businesses with the creation of National Entrepreneurs Association! I was honored to serve as a panelist... Vickie Lewis, Founder and CEO of VMX International
It was an excellent conference. You should feel extremely accomplished. Stacie Croffe, Healthcare Leadership
What a phenomenal event and amazing entrepreneurs Being the difference in the world! The generosity of support, laughter and wisdom shared was unparalleled! Bravo! Bernadette Johnson, Leadership Strategist
Dynamic. Spectacular. Incredible and any other inspiring and positive adjectives can only describe the forum... Colette Hughes, Real Estate Broker
Your event was amazing - fabulous. You should be super proud of what you have done. Linda Schlesinger-Wagner, Founder of Skinnytees
Congratulations! I had an amazing time of learning and networking! Regina Hall, Founder of Enlighten Heart Services