Minority Business Summit
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Date and Time
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM CDT
Location
Vibrant Arena at The MARK
1201 River Dr, Moline, IL
Free parking available onsite
Fees/Admission
$15 Members | $20 Non-members
Description
Minority Business Summit
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Vibrant Arena at the MARK, Moline
$15 Members | $20 Non-members
The Minority Business Summit is designed to empower and equip minority entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools to grow and succeed.
This full-day event features:
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Inspiring keynote address from a leader in business
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Interactive workshops on essential business topics
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Vendor booths offering valuable resources to strengthen your business
You’ll spend the day connecting with entrepreneurs, industry experts and potential partners. Along the way, you’ll gain knowledge, strengthen relationships and discover new opportunities to take your business further.
Abena Sankofa ImhotepSankofa Literary & Empowerment Group
Abena is an award-winning author, scholar and activist whose work celebrates Africana, challenges historical narratives and advocates for a just world.
As the CEO of Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group, Abena’s mission is two-fold: to create spaces for lifelong learning that center the literature and scholarship of Black authors and to work toward a world where all children love to read. Abena's complete biography and personal mission.
Mental & Emotional Mastery Solutions
Vanessa is a transformational coach, national speaker and facilitator dedicated to developing high-achievers unlock clarity, confidence and authentic success through neuroscience-backed strategies. She is an instructor at Mind Body Green Institute and a certified Elite Life Coach. In 2024, Vanessa was accepted into the acclaimed Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business Program.
AGENDA
8:30 a.m. Check-in, light breakfast & networking
9:00 a.m. Welcome message
9:15 a.m. Opening Keynote | Abena Sankofa Imhotep, Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group
10:00 a.m. Exhibitor tables open
10:30 a.m. Fueling your growth-access to capital | Frank Perez, Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation (CDFI)
11:20 a.m. Breakout workshops
Option 1: Navigating Government contracts & certifications
Option 2: Accounting essentials | Molly Mayfield, GreenFlex Financial
12:00 p.m. Lunch and exhibitors
1:00 p.m. Digital marketing | Jasmine Butler, KWQC
1:45 p.m. AI for small business | Padmini Soni, Rezonance AI
2:30 p.m. Closing Keynote | Vanessa McNeal, Mental & Emotional Mastery Solutions
2:50 p.m. Closing remarks
3:00 p.m. Program concludes
Show your support for small businesses by joining our Vendor Expo Area! This is your chance to showcase your products, services and resources directly to entrepreneurs and business owners who are eager to connect with partners that can help them grow. Click here for the exhibitor details. To register an exhibitor booth, click here or contact: Joanna Drake at [email protected] or call 563.823.2656
Become an Event Sponsor! Through the support of our sponsors, the Quad Cities Chamber provides our members and business community with valuable resources, information and events such as the Minority Business Summit. If your business is interested in sponsoring this event, click here for the sponsorship details or contact:
Marcy Hyder at [email protected] or call 563.823.2690
The Quad Cities Chamber strives to host inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. For event assistance or additional information, please contact:
Vice President, Small & Minority Business
Quad Cities Chamber
O. 563.823.2688
[email protected]
