“I don’t know that we do anything over the year that’s more important than supporting this conference. What I like about this event is that we really make a difference; those who attend seem to appreciate the information provided to them.”

- Dr. Alan Merten, President of George Mason University (August 18, 2004)

Annual Multicultural Business Conference
Virginia Department of Business Assistance

Client:

Virginia Department of Business Assistance Small Business Development Centers

Target:

Asian & Hispanic Americans in D.C. metropolitan area

Goals:

Provide small minority business owners with opportunities to obtain information, training and more important, to build networks with other entrepreneurs, corporations, financial institutions and government agencies

Services:

• Created the main theme “Access to Success” to enhance the purpose of the event.
• Developed and promoted materials for the event through business guide books, training DVD, brochures, posters, and event booklets, all in four languages (English, Vietnamese, Korean, and Spanish).
• Developed sponsorship packages and sent invitations to various corporations and organizations.
• Used AMS’ steady relationship with ethnic media to heavily advertise the event to the target public

Results:

• The number of people attending the event grew bigger every year. In 2005, more than one thousand people attended the conference.
• Asian & Hispanic American entrepreneurs are now aware of business assistance programs from the government, and have found these services to be helpful in developing their businesses.
• Nearly 40 exhibitors and sponsors participated including Bank of America, BB&T, Cox Communications, Fairfax County Department of Family Services, and Washington Gas.