OCTOBER 24, 2025 9AM TO 4PM AT LAWRENCE TECH UNIVERSITY IN SOUTHFIELD MI
ABOUT THIS YEAR'S EVENT
The National Entrepreneurs Association presents the 2025 Entrepreneur & Small Business Conference: Collaboration. This one-day event is designed to provide high level training for entrepreneurs and small business owners to grow and sustain successful businesses from some of the best business minds in the country. This year's theme is "Collaboration" and will explore how entrepreneurs, organizations and professionals can work together to create new opportunities and accelerate growth. Sponsored by Comerica Bank and Lawrence Tech University.
​
Conference registration $97. Includes breakfast & lunch. NEA member discount available with promo code. Parking free.
​
2025 Afternoon Keynote Paula Tutman
Emmy Award Winning Journalist & Entrepreneur
Topic: Partnerships with Purpose: Driving Entrepreneurial Growth
Multi-Emmy winning broadcast journalist, Paula Tutman has spent more than 42 years in front of the camera as a broadcast news reporter and was inducted into the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2024. Paula is also a serial Creator-Preneur. She is the innovator of Bra-Less Bra. Paula teaches a Master Your Message Communication Course© to organizations and corporations. ​
A published author, her first novel series DEADLINE! won recognition from the International Thriller Writers organization, The Virginia Book Festival and the Hollywood Book Festival. A prolific writer and self-taught screenplay writer, she currently has numerous pilots and screenplays written and in various stages of development in the entertainment industry.
During the Covid shut-down, Paula taught herself sculpting. Her work caught the eye of several gallery owners and her work is currently exhibited at BlackBird Gallery in Farmington Hills, Michigan. ​In 2009 she took on her most extreme adventure underneath a crop of overgrown Evergreens at the tidal basin of an Alaskan glacier by getting married for the last time. She helped raise three step-daughters to productive adulthood and splits her time between rural Ontario and Suburban Detroit with her husband.
​
2025 Morning Keynote Jon Jansen
Media Personality, 97.1 The Ticket Co-Host, Two Time University of Michigan Football National Champion, 11 Year NFL Veteran, Michigan Football Hall of Famer and Entrepreneur
Topic: Collaborating with Media in a Multi-Platform World
Jon Jansen is an 11 year NFL Veteran Offensive Tackle, University of Michigan Football Captain and National Champion, who grew up in the small town of Clawson, MI, a suburb of Detroit, MI. In 2017, Jon was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. While at Michigan, Jon was elected Captain twice by his teammates and his teams won the National Championship twice. In 1998, Jon was an All- American. In 1999, Jon was the 37th pick by the Washington Redskins in the NFL Draft. He played in Washington for 10 seasons, served as Captain for 4 of those seasons. He returned home to Detroit to play his final season for the Detroit Lions in 2009. In 2015, he was a nominee for the NFL Hall of Fame.
​
Since his retirement from the NFL, Jon continued his work in the media with the Big Ten Network, where he co-hosted studio shows, sideline reported at games, and served as a color analyst from the booth. He owned and operated a successful small business, CrossFit Petoskey, for 6 years. He is currently employed back at his alma mater, the University of Michigan, where he serves as a co-host of the Michigan Football Tailgate pre-game show as well as color analysis of the games. In addition to his duties at Michigan, Jon continued his broadcasting career with Sirius XM as a host of shows on the ESPN, ESPNU and Big Ten channels and is currently co-host on 97.1 The Ticket during the morning drive with Costa and Jansen, a 2022 Marconi Award winning station.​
2025 Conference Host Dr. ZaLonya Allen
President/CEO National Entrepreneurs Association
Topic: The Collaborative Advantage: Strategies for Entrepreneurial Growth
From New York to Las Vegas Dr. ZaLonya Allen has been speaking to entrepreneurs and business owners about mindset and growth strategies for over 10 years. Dr. Allen is President/CEO of the National Entrepreneurs Association and has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years. As a Speaker/Trainer specializing in leadership and entrepreneurship, she has delivered hundreds of talks to organizations throughout the country and coaches professionals in a variety of industries.
Dr. Allen has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Woman of Wonder Award from University of Phoenix, the Leadership in Action Award from Career Mastered Magazine and the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism. She earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology & Sociology from the University of Michigan, a Masters in Industrial Relations from Wayne State University and a Doctorate in Psychology with honors from North Central University. Dr. Allen has been an educator since 2002 and has taught business and psychology courses at multiple colleges and universities.
​​
Welcome Remarks from Dr. Matthew L. Cole
Dean of the College of Business & Information Technology at LTU
Dr. Cole, a graduate of Cleveland Institute of Music, holds a MS in Clinical Behavioral Psychology from Eastern Michigan University, a MA in Biopsychology from Wayne State University, and a Ph.D. in Cognitive and Social Psychology across the Lifespan (CaSPaL) with a minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Wayne State University.
​
Since joining Lawrence Tech, Dr. Cole has published over 40 peer review journal articles and book chapters in the fields of business administration, neuroscience, and psychology. He has been awarded 9 external grants from NIH, NSF, HHMI, EDA, Coleman Foundation, and Skillman Foundation. He is currently an Associate Editor of the journal Frontiers in Psychology: Positive Psychology. Dr. Cole currently teaches business data analytics and biostatistics using R, Jamovi, JASP, Mplus, Minitab, SPSS, and Excel.
PANEL DISCUSSION DESCRIPTIONS
​​
Collaboration Blueprint: Finding the Right Partners to Scale
Could a collaboration be the key to unlocking faster growth and new opportunities in your business? In this interactive panel discussion, several accomplished entrepreneurs will share how they identified, built, and sustained successful collaborations that helped them scale. Attendees will gain practical insights into different types of collaborations, what makes a strong partnership, how to avoid common pitfalls, strategies to leverage collaboration as a powerful growth tool and deciding if collaborating is right for you.
​
Key Takeaways:
-
How to identify the right partners that align with your vision and goals
-
Proven strategies for building mutually beneficial collaborations
-
Common challenges in partnerships and how to overcome them
-
Real world examples of collaborations that accelerated business growth
​
​
Unlocking Community Resources for Entrepreneurial Success
This panel discussion "Unlocking Community Resources" will explore the wide range of support available to help entrepreneurs and organizations thrive. Our panelists represent key industries, training, funding and education and will share how to access and maximize these critical tools. Attendees will gain insights on where to find resources, how to leverage them effectively, and strategies to strengthen, themselves, their businesses and communities.​​
​
Key Takeaways:
-
Discover where to find local and national resources that support entrepreneurs.
-
Learn how to leverage funding, training and educational tools to grow sustainably.
-
Gain strategies for building stronger businesses and communities through resource-sharing.
-
Examples of how entrepreneurs have successfully accessed and maximized community support.
​
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
(partial listing) ​​
​
​What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Business Taxes
Taxes can be one of the most confusing and overwhelming parts of running a business, but understanding them is essential to financial success. What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Business Taxes will simplify the essentials, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and share strategies to help you stay compliant while maximizing your savings. Whether you’re just starting out or growing your business, this session will give you the knowledge and confidence to handle your taxes more effectively.
Key Takeaways:
-
Learn the most important tax responsibilities every business owner must understand.
-
Discover common tax deductions and credits that can save your business money.
-
Gain practical tips to stay organized and avoid costly mistakes.
-
Learn what steps you can take to solve tax troubles.
​
​
Protecting Your Mental Health While Building Your Business
Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Protecting Your Mental Health While Building Your Business will explore practical ways to manage stress, maintain balance, and protect your well-being as you grow your business. This session will provide tools and strategies to help you thrive personally and professionally, even during challenging times.
​
Key Takeaways:
-
Learn proactive strategies to maintain your well-being and perform at your best.
-
Discover how to set healthy boundaries to maintain work–life balance.
- Learn techniques to manage stress and overwhelm while running your business.
-
Gain practical strategies to support your mental health and sustain long-term success.
​
​
How to Raise Money While Bootstrapping Your Business
Raising capital and keeping costs under control are critical for every business, whether you’re just starting out or scaling to the next level. How to Raise Money While Bootstrapping Your Business is an interactive session that will show you how to secure funding, operate efficiently, and build sustainable growth without overspending. You’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen your finances, attract investors, and run a leaner, more profitable business.
​
Key Takeaways:
-
Proven techniques to reach and engage potential investors through LinkedIn, webinars, and networking.
-
Strategies for securing major investments from high-net-worth individuals and seasoned business leaders.
-
Virtual staffing and outsourcing methods that can save significant costs each year.
-
Bootstrap-friendly frameworks to control expenses while building scalable operations that appeal to funders.
​
​
Pitch Practice: How to Present Your Business Like a Pro
Your pitch can open doors to investors, partners, and new opportunities—but only if it’s clear, confident, and compelling. Pitch Practice: How to Present Your Business Like a Pro will help you refine your message, sharpen your delivery, and build the confidence to make a lasting impression. This hands-on workshop is designed to give you practical feedback and proven techniques to elevate your pitch.
​
Key Takeaways:
-
Learn how to structure a pitch that captures attention and communicates value quickly.
-
Discover techniques to deliver your message with more confidence and clarity.
-
Practice your pitch and gain feedback to improve your style, content, and delivery.
​
​
How AI is Redefining Marketing for Small Businesses
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how even the smallest businesses approach marketing and sales. What once required outsourcing to an agency or freelancer can now be done in-house, affordably, and in far less time. This session highlights practical ways AI helps solo entrepreneurs and small business owners do more, save money, and grow. Attendees will walk away with clear examples of how AI can support their marketing efforts.
​
Key Takeaways:
-
Turning customer feedback and market data into usable insights
-
Producing professional copy and content that attracts attention
-
Automating customer service to create a frictionless buying experience
-
Reviewing sales calls with AI to improve close rates
​
​
Cybersecurity Simplified: Protecting Your Business From Hackers & Threats
Cyberattacks aren’t just a big-business problem—small businesses are often prime targets. Cybersecurity Simplified: Protecting Your Business From Hackers & Threats will give you practical steps to safeguard your company without a big IT budget. In this session, you’ll learn the most common risks, how to implement simple protections, and why strong security can actually give you a competitive edge.
​
Key Takeaways:
-
Why hackers target small companies and the most common ways they break in.
-
Simple protections and secure backups that reduce risk immediately.
-
Showing customers, partners, and insurers that your business takes security seriously.
-
A straightforward roadmap for getting started without needing a big IT budget.
​
​
Entrepreneurial Mentoring: The Collaborative Path to Success
Entrepreneurs thrive when they embrace the dual role of both learning from others and guiding those who follow. At the heart of this journey is collaboration—the ability to share knowledge, experiences, and support in ways that accelerate success for everyone involved. In this session, explore the differences between mentorship and coaching, why each matters, and how to put them into practice. Learn how to find the right mentor, step into a mentoring role, and navigate the realities of building relationships that work. From structuring mentor sessions to knowing when a partnership isn’t the right fit, participants will leave with practical tools to collaborate more effectively, expand their networks, and strengthen the business.
​
Key Takeaways:
-
Identify, approach, and engage potential mentors—or step confidently into a mentoring role.
-
Discover how being both a mentee and a mentor can accelerate personal and professional growth.
-
Understand what effective mentorship sessions can look like in practice, including structure and goal setting.
-
Strengthen collaboration and relationship skills that accelerate growth and build lasting networks.
​
​
Strategic IP Deals: Selling, Licensing & Acquiring Patents
Jake Ward, Adjunct Professor at the University of Toledo, College of Law, and Founding Member of Ward Law Office Registered Patent Attorneys, presents a practical guide for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on intellectual property. This session explores how to monetize patents through sale and licensing, as well as how to acquire valuable IP rights to strengthen your business. Attendees will learn how to structure deals, evaluate patent assets, and use IP transactions as a strategic tool for expansion, investment, and competitive advantage.
​
Key Takeaways:
-
Monetizing Your Patents
-
Acquiring IP to Accelerate Growth
-
Navigating Legal and Business Considerations​
Attend the 2025 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference and learn proven strategies from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts to collaborate, build partnerships and grow your business faster...
Event Highlights
-
Dynamic Keynote Speakers
-
Breakout Sessions
-
Power-Packed Panel Discussions
-
Free Professional Headshots
-
Business Resources
-
Exhibitors/Vendors
-
Breakfast
-
Power Networking Lunch
-
Entrepreneur Bootcamp All Class Reunion
*Picture from 2023 NEA Entrepreneurs Forum at Hollywood Casino Greektown in May.
2025 Breakout Speaker Valerie Jaye
Marketing and Sales Strategist
Topic: How AI is Redefining Marketing for Small Businesses
Valerie Jaye helps small business owners get more confident and consistent with sales and marketing. She’s spent years exploring how people make decisions and what gets them to say “yes,” what makes them hesitate, and how to build trust without being slick or salesy. Her career has taken some winding paths through various types of sales roles: national account management, recruiting and headhunting, student and volunteer recruitment, and small business marketing. Through it all, she’s developed a feel for the quiet mechanics that make marketing and sales work: relevance, timing, and a deep understanding of what matters to the person on the other side of the conversation.
​
Valerie holds an MBA in Marketing, a BA in Communications from the University of Michigan, and is a longtime student of the Sandler Selling System. She shares what she’s learned through Small Business Sales Magic offering practical tools and Revenue Roadmaps that help entrepreneurs attract the right customers in a way that feels comfortable and authentic. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Speaker, Author and Senior Tax Counsel at Ayar Law
Topic: What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Business Taxes
2025 Breakout Speaker Agustin V. Arbulu
For over 30 years, Agustin V. Arbulu has been helping individuals and business owners climb out from under the weight of IRS pressure—and breathe again. As a highly respected tax attorney with a national reputation for strategic tax defense, Agustin has guided hundreds of business clients through audits, tax debt, unfiled returns, tax collections, and payroll trust-fund nightmares.
​
​He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and Master of Law (in Taxation) from NYU Law School, an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. His personalized, client-focused approach has made him a go-to problem-solver for high-net-worth individuals, closely held businesses, and self-employed professionals who suddenly find themselves in the IRS’s crosshairs. Agustin is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court and U.S. Court of Claims.
2025 Breakout Speaker Ryan Angott
Entrepreneur and Founder of Multiple Companies
Topic: How to Raise Money While Bootstrapping Your Business
Accomplished entrepreneur Ryan Angott, son of Paul Angott, former Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year, brings proven expertise in bootstrapping and fundraising from a strong entrepreneurial lineage. Between his father and himself, they hold 46 patents and have founded multiple companies across multiple industries.
​
As a former top global salesperson for cybersecurity unicorn Cylance (acquired for $1.5B), he has generated over $50 million in sales across cybersecurity and staffing services. Most recently, he successfully raised $2.9 million for his computer accessory line launched during COVID while maintaining lean operations through strategic virtual staffing. His lead investor, Stuart McClure (former CTO of McAfee and Cylance founder), wrote him a $500,000 check, demonstrating his ability to secure substantial investments through relationship-building and industry credibility.
2025 Breakout Speaker Shawn Thornton II
Founder and CEO Smart Biz iT
Topic: Cybersecurity Simplified: Protecting Your Business From Hackers & Threats
Shawn Thornton II is the Founder and CEO of Smart Biz iT, “The IT Department for Metro Detroit’s Small Businesses.” He has more than a decade of experience helping organizations use technology to operate securely and grow with confidence. At Smart Biz iT, Shawn focuses on making cybersecurity and compliance straightforward for business owners who often feel overwhelmed by technology. His work includes guiding small and mid-sized businesses through strengthening their security, preparing for compliance requirements, and creating technology strategies that support long-term success. Shawn brings a practical, business-first approach that helps entrepreneurs understand the essentials of protecting their operations and reputation.
2025 Breakout Speaker Megan Steenwyk
Senior Program Manager for Community Contracting at Vizient
Topic: Entrepreneurial Mentoring:The Collaborative Path to Success
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. 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.
2025 Breakout Speaker Dr. Angela Seay
National Holistic Wellness Practitioner & Health Educator
Topic: Protecting Your Mental Health While Building Your Business
Dr. Angela Seay is a distinguished Holistic Wellness Practitioner and Health Educator with more than 20 years of professional experience advancing integrative health and well-being. Highly recommended by healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders, she is recognized for her evidence-informed approach to holistic care that empowers individuals and organizations to cultivate sustainable wellness practices.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Angela has delivered more than 200 national and international conference presentations, reaching diverse professional audiences with practical strategies for health promotion. She has directly served over 4,500 individuals through tailored wellness education and has designed and implemented approximately 50 comprehensive health and wellness programs for communities and school districts. These initiatives have addressed the interconnected dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual, while achieving measurable improvements in quality of life.
Renowned for her professionalism and ability to translate complex health science into accessible and actionable guidance, Dr. Angela is frequently sought after as a speaker, consultant, and advisor. Her dedication to helping others live healthier happier lives has positioned her as a trusted authority in advancing equitable access to holistic health education and creating environments that support resilience, vitality, and lifelong well-being.
2025 Breakout Speaker Dr. Janice Cardwell, MBA, PhD
CEO of Conceivers, LLC & NEA Board Chair
Topic: Pitch Practice: How to Present Your Business Like a Pro
Dr. Jan Cardwell is a uniquely experienced educator and leader with 30+ years of experiences across industry sectors. Formally trained with a Ph. D in Education and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), she is a retired education administrator holding titles of Vice President/Campus Director, Campus and Academic Director for the University of Phoenix Detroit Branch Campus (14 years). She is CEO and Executive Coach for Conceivers Leadership and Learning Company, an executive think tank that focuses on research, coaching and training for leaders with a specific focus on women in leadership roles.
Community service includes Board of Directors leadership to several local non-profit organizations, in Southeast Michigan, which includes, Chair of the Board of Directors Matrix Human Services (6 years); Board Member: Matrix Human Services, Board Chair for National Entrepreneur Association, Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club, Association of Leadership Educators. She was 2019 Chair of the International Leadership Association - Leadership Development Community.
2025 Breakout Speaker Jacob Ward
Patent Attorney and Founding Member of Ward Law
Topic: Strategic IP Deals: Selling, Licensing & Acquiring Patents
Jacob "Jake" M. Ward is a registered patent attorney admitted to practice in the State of Michigan, before the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Mr. Ward is also a registered Canadian Patent Agent, non-resident, admitted to practice before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).
Mr. Ward is the Founding Member of Ward Law Office | Registered Patent Attorneys, a virtual legal practice with offices in Detroit, Michigan and near Cleveland, Ohio. His practice consists of preparation and prosecution of patent applications in various technical arts, including the chemical, mechanical, and electrical arts. Mr. Ward also prepares legal opinions in relation to patentability, infringement, patent validity, and freedom to practice.
Mr. Ward received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Dayton and a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Toledo, College of Law. At the University of Toledo, Mr. Ward was also awarded a certificate of concentration in Intellectual Property Law. Mr. Ward was also a Materials Chemist for several years at the Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, prior to starting his legal practice.
2025 Panel Moderator Dr. Geneva Williams
Founder and CEO of Dr. Geneva Speaks, LLC
Topic: Collaboration Blueprint: Finding the Right Partners to Scale
An award-winning transformational leader and founder of Dr. Geneva Speaks, LLC, Dr. Geneva Jones Williams is a world-class women-centered coach and influencer. Through her thriving consultancy and digital brand, she helps individuals and organizations embrace reinvention with purpose and profitability using her innovative strategies and signature What’s Next framework. A proud alum of Morgan State University, she holds a master's from Bryn Mawr and a doctorate from Wayne State University.
Dr. Geneva was the first female president and CEO of a multimillion-dollar United Way in the Detroit metropolitan area. She led the successful merger of two United Ways, becoming its first female Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and overseeing millions in yearly agency allocations. Building on her decades of leadership, she now leads a results-driven coaching and consulting practice that transforms lives and builds brands, helping high-achieving women and purpose-driven leaders embrace reinvention and lead vibrant, impactful lives in midlife. She has raised over $100 million for business and community causes and launched over 50 public-private collaborations and startups.
Recognized as one of Detroit's most influential women by Crain's Business and a leading businesswoman by the National Association of Women Business Owners, she received the Distinguished Warrior Award for lifetime achievement from the Urban League.
2025 Panelist Tonia Williams
President and CEO Universal Special Events Inc.
Topic: Collaboration Blueprint: Finding the Right Partners to Scale
When hearing the word VALET, we usually think of someone getting into your vehicle, parking it and bringing it back. Tonia Williams saw the valet parking industry as not only a career but as providing a service that goes above and beyond just parking a vehicle. The motto that she uses is “Providing a Positive First and Last Impression”. Making people happy and providing that extra customer service is what makes her company what it is today. Universal Special Events, Inc. services some of the largest events in Michigan. She provides valet services for the PGA Golf Tournament, the Detroit Grand Prix Events, Bedrock Management Services, The Detroit Institute of Arts and The Henry Ford Museum just to name a few. Tonia feels her purpose on this earth is to make a difference in people lives. She was recently named on of the 2025 Career Mastered Magazine National Top Entrepreneur Women to Watch.
2025 Panelist Angela T. Moore
Integrative Health Coach | Licensed Therapist
Topic: Collaboration Blueprint: Finding the Right Partners to Scale
With years of experience in the mental and physical health industry, Integrative Health Expert Angela T. Moore has helped countless individuals, organizations and school systems through her comprehensive approach to health using therapeutic interventions, effective exercise methods and healthy lifestyle strategies.
​
Angela Moore holds a master’s in counseling from Oakland University, a master’s in business management from Walsh College, and a bachelor’s in sociology from the University of Virginia. She is the founder and CEO of The Body Principle — an Integrative Health Organization, and is a NASM Master Trainer with specializations in Corrective Exercise, Performance Enhancement, and Fitness Nutrition. She is also a nationally certified counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a wellness blog contributor for A Healthier Michigan, and host of the Empowered with Angela T. Moore podcast.
2025 Panelist Dr. Joyce L. Suber
Speaker | Author | Coach and Founder of J.L. Suber and Associates
Topic: Collaboration Blueprint: Finding the Right Partners to Scale
Dr. Joyce L. Suber is a true philanthropist, sitting on several non-profit foundation boards. Along, with her non-profit acumen, Joyce brings to this position an extensive leadership background in “for profit, non-profit and healthcare” environments. She is the founder of J.L. Suber and Associates, LLC. She is a professor at several colleges and universities in the Metro Detroit area and an author.
Joyce, a lifelong learner, has an earned Doctorate degree in Management, Masters of Arts degree in Practical Theology, Masters of Science degree in Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Management; all with honors. She also holds certifications in PeerSpectives CEO Roundtable System, Project Management and Executive Leadership. Additionally, and just as important, she is the very proud mother of two sons, and “Mi-Joy” to her two beautiful granddaughters.
2025 Panel Moderator Van Allen
Founder and CEO Van Allen Productions, LLC
Topic: Unlocking Community Resources for Entrepreneurial Success
Van Allen is a former Ford Motor Co employee, investor and 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 who 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. He is also a mindset trainer for the nationally acclaimed NEA Comerica Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Certification Program.
2025 Panelist Ross Sanders
Director of Industry Centers & Entrepreneurship at Lawrence Technological University
Topic: Unlocking Community Resources for Entrepreneurial Success
Ross Sanders is Director of Industry Centers & Entrepreneurship at Lawrence Technological University. In this capacity he is responsible for advancing entrepreneurship within the University and launching centers that provide research opportunities for University faculty and students. Prior to joining the University, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Bizdom, where he launched one of the first startup accelerators ever to operate in Detroit and Cleveland. He led this non-profit to mentor 80 tech-based startups, assist in raising $17 million in startup investment, provide over 550 startup events, raise over $20 million in donations, and played a leading role in revitalizing these two cities.
Ross has a Masters in Business Administration from Wayne State University, a Bachelors in Business Administration from Michigan State University, a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, and has been recognized as one of the top 100 leaders advancing technology innovation in Detroit. He is currently a board member for the National Entrepreneurs Association and has been assisting the association with growth efforts since 2018.
2025 Panelist Rita Hillman
Certified Small Business Consultant at MI-SBDC
Topic: Unlocking Community Resources for Entrepreneurial Success
Rita Hillman is a Certified Small Business Consultant with the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC). Ms. Hillman has always been very passionate about providing financial literacy education to underserved populations in urban, rural, and Native American communities. ​As a Certified Small Business Consultant at the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC), she works with start-ups, and businesses with revenues below $750,000. She considers this segment to be her ideal client because at the start and early stages of a business the owner needs to implement strong operational and financial policies and procedures to be successful.
​
Her mission is to help all businesses start, survive, and thrive. Rita believes in providing the core services of one-on-one counseling, addressing the unique needs of each business she counsels. Rita counsels her clients on the importance of striving to have healthy mental and physical well-being, to operate the most successful company they can dream of and envision for themselves. ​Rita Hillman has many career accomplishments, two of which are being honored as one of Wayne State University’s Most Prominent Black Alumni and one of Crains Detroit Top 100 Women in the Financial Industry.
2025 Panelist Robin Thomas
Small Business Banker at Comerica Bank
Topic: Unlocking Community Resources for Entrepreneurial Success
Robin Thomas is a small business banker with Comerica Bank. Robin has over 20 years of retail management and business banking experience from his time at multiple local and national super bank. Robin graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in finance in 2012. Robin has spent his whole life in Michigan. Robin grew up in Warren and currently resides in Macomb County. Robin is all about helping small business reach their potential and helping them achieve that potential through lending and building business credit and value.
2025 Panelist April D. Halliburton
Founder of All-4-HR & Business Solutions / Certified Score Mentor
Topic: Unlocking Community Resources for Entrepreneurial Success
April D. Halliburton is the Founder and President of All-4-HR & Business Solutions, launched in 2009 after nearly 25 years working as a legal secretary and executive assistant. As a single mother of two dynamic children, April began her entrepreneurial journey with a deep commitment to creating real solutions for growing businesses. Today, her firm delivers expert human resource management consulting to U.S.-based small and midsize enterprises (10–150 employees), helping them build strong, compliant, and people-centered HR foundations. With nearly two decades of experience in the HR industry, April holds a BA in Business Administration, an MBA in Strategic Management with a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources, and has completed doctoral coursework in Organizational Management. She is also a Certified SCORE Mentor, workshop facilitator, and trusted HR consultant. April’s passion is clear: to help small and midsize businesses across the country thrive—one business at a time.
Venue: Architecture Auditorium at Lawrence Tech University
Architecture Auditorium Lawrence Tech University
Address: 21000 W 10 Mile Road Southfield MI 48075
​
Lawrence Technological University (LTU) is a private, doctoral-degree-granting university, specializing in engineering, architecture, science, and applied technology, founded in 1932. The university sits on a modern, 107-acre campus in Southfield, Michigan, featuring advanced academic and research facilities, residence halls, and athletic facilities
-
State of the Art Meeting Rooms
-
Internet & Wifi Access
-
Free Parking Available
-
Holiday Inn: One Block
-
Westin Hotel: Two Blocks
Recommended Hotels
(Both in Walking Distance)
Connect with Exhibitors and Vendors
Pictures from Past NEA Conferences
Attention entrepreneurs and professionals! Don't miss the opportunity to connect with our amazing exhibitors and vendors, representing a variety industries and 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 auditorium.
Confirmed 2025 Resources/Vendors Include:​
-
Automation Alley
-
City of Southfield
-
Comerica Bank
-
Lawrence Tech University
-
National Academy of Inventors
-
National Entrepreneurs Association
-
Small Business Administration
-
Strategic Assistant Solutions
-
X-Trade Corporation
-
Michigan's Largest Real Estate Show
-
Jim Jacek Photography and DJ Services
Testimonials from the Previous NEA Conferences
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​​
​
