Memphis Black Business Expo
http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/3715/1/Memphis-Black-Business-Expo/Page1.html
By Tri-State Defender Newsroom
Published on 04/23/2009
The Memphis Black Business Expo (MBBE) and Showcase will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (April 25) at the Raleigh Springs Mall, 3384 Austin Peay Highway. It’s the second year for the Expo, which is designed to highlight entrepreneurship, promote cooperative economics, and support the stability and growth off small and minority-owned businesses. The event is free.
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Memphis Black Business Expo: ‘Expose, Exchange, Experience’
The Memphis Black Business Expo (MBBE) and Showcase will unfold Saturday (April 26) at the Raleigh Springs Mall, 3384 Austin Peay Highway.
The 2009 MBBE will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s the second year for the Expo. “As we considered the challenges of the economy we are in and how businesses and communities have been impacted we decided to be more creative in our approach and find a venue that would allow us to have a direct community impact while lowering the cost to us and ultimately to our exhibitors,” said co-organizer Bernal E. Smith II.
The MBBE is designed to highlight entrepreneurship, promote cooperative economics, and support the stability and growth off small and minority-owned businesses. Smith said businesses seeking to reach African-American consumers throughout the Greater Memphis region will find that the Expo, which is free to the public, is a good outlet.
“My vision is for the Expo to provide businesses with a unique opportunity to market their goods and services, build key relationships and obtain valuable information that strengthens their businesses – Expose, Exchange, Experience,” says event organizer Viara Boyd.
“This year we have a unique opportunity to help bring people and business to the Raleigh area, a community that has seen a decline in business investment in the past few years, as we focus on our core mission.”
Over 150 businesses are expected to participate. Businesses of every sector, including non-profits, will be represented and organized in the corridors of the Mall to maximize their opportunity to reach their target audience and network with potential customers. There will also be empowerment workshops on business, finances, relationships, health and wellness and youth entrepreneurship.
Local artists and special guest appearances by nationally known celebrities will be featured on the main stage throughout the day.
The MBBE is supported by Simon Property Group, Inc., Mayor W. W. Herenton, the 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc., the Black Business Association and an assortment of other businesses, individuals and organizations focusing on the economic expansion of minority-owned businesses.
For more information, call 901-267-6569, 901-267-5008 or visit www.thembbe.com.
The 2009 MBBE will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s the second year for the Expo. “As we considered the challenges of the economy we are in and how businesses and communities have been impacted we decided to be more creative in our approach and find a venue that would allow us to have a direct community impact while lowering the cost to us and ultimately to our exhibitors,” said co-organizer Bernal E. Smith II.
The MBBE is designed to highlight entrepreneurship, promote cooperative economics, and support the stability and growth off small and minority-owned businesses. Smith said businesses seeking to reach African-American consumers throughout the Greater Memphis region will find that the Expo, which is free to the public, is a good outlet.
“My vision is for the Expo to provide businesses with a unique opportunity to market their goods and services, build key relationships and obtain valuable information that strengthens their businesses – Expose, Exchange, Experience,” says event organizer Viara Boyd.
“This year we have a unique opportunity to help bring people and business to the Raleigh area, a community that has seen a decline in business investment in the past few years, as we focus on our core mission.”
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Local artists and special guest appearances by nationally known celebrities will be featured on the main stage throughout the day.
The MBBE is supported by Simon Property Group, Inc., Mayor W. W. Herenton, the 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc., the Black Business Association and an assortment of other businesses, individuals and organizations focusing on the economic expansion of minority-owned businesses.
For more information, call 901-267-6569, 901-267-5008 or visit www.thembbe.com.