A key part of growing and sustaining a successful small business is building relationships with customers, potential customers, vendors, industry leaders and influencers. That means that now and then you have to take your head out of the day-to-day operations of your business and venture out to conferences, summits, and other networking and learning opportunities. 

It can be overwhelming deciding what organizations and events are the best use of your time.  Do not let that stop you from venturing out.  It was not until I took that step that I connected with folks who helped me secure a loan through a special program and gain access to bidding opportunities that I may not have learned about.  Networking and learning opportunities provided by the state at no cost helped me a lot. 

Good Place to Start

The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Summit on Friday, June 25 at the Boston Convention Center is a good place to start.  It is targeted toward  minority and women-owned businesses and focused on three major areas.

            1.  Accessing federal, state and quasi-public contracts;

            2.  Connecting with private organizations that want to improve business                                    
                opportunities with minority and women-owned business and

            3.  Learning about funding products that can help you grow your business 

For more information and to register go to Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Summit.