Registration for mayor’s Small Business Conference now open

The 10th annual Mayor’s Small Business Conference and Expo will be held Oct. 3 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus at the Greater Columbus Convention Center from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Online registration opens today.

This year’s theme is “Go forward: driving local economic growth through small business inclusion and sustainability.” Focus areas will include technology, economic development, construction opportunities, and supplier diversity training.

“We are proud to host this opportunity again for small businesses to learn about ways they can do business with the city of Columbus,” said Mayor Michael Coleman in a statement. “I encourage all small businesses to come, attend the workshops and network with other larger businesses they may be able to work with as subcontractors. We are committed to having a diverse base of local vendors for our city’s purchasing and contracting needs to include female and minority-owned businesses.”

 The keynote speaker will be Caroline Clarke, senior editor and editor at large of Black Enterprise and editorial director of Black Enterprise Books. An award winning journalist, Clarke’s experience spans print, digital and television, and includes the role of general manager at Interactive Media.

Clarke will speak about building sustainable small businesses.

To learn more about the Mayor’s Small Business Conference, or to register, visit Columbus.gov.