Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit brings workshops to Moline

The Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit (IES) will host a day-long summit in the Quad Cities on Thursday, Sept. 12, to connect immigrants and others of various racial and ethnic backgrounds with community members passionate about supporting entrepreneurship. 

The IES Western Illinois & Eastern Iowa Regional summit will be at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark in downtown Moline. It will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s summit will feature nine workshops including these sessions: How the Election Will Impact Taxes; Green Card and Work Visa Options for Entrepreneurs; and Behind the Curtain – Small Business Credit Basics. In addition, the event includes a luncheon featuring immigrant business owners sharing insights from their entrepreneurial journey as well as exhibitor booths highlighting business resources, and giveaways.

“There are a lot of things impacting the small business world,” IES Executive Director Catherine Tran said in a news release. “Small businesses are always needing to adapt and find ways to be successful. This Summit provides not only learning opportunities, but connections and resources to help entrepreneurs along the way.”

Presenters and panelists

Among the day’s presenters will be Ying Sa of Community CPA; Xavier Francis, Francis Law; Gabe Wells, Fortress Bank; and more. LaDrina Wilson, CEO of Iman Consulting, will provide the morning keynote address. 

The Immigrant Panel will include: Ms. Sa, the CEO and managing partner of Community CPA; Mr. Francis, founder and managing partner, Francis Law; Ayawa Fizwonou, owner of D EI Magnificio Boutique; and Esaie Toingar, president of Wake Up for Your Rights.  

The Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit is supported this year by Presenting Sponsor Community CPA. It has been in eastern Iowa and western Illinois since 2014. 

Last year’s summit drew 130 participants, 17 exhibitor tables of business resources, nine workshops and a business panel. It gave away three monetary prizes. 

Tickets are $35 and include breakfast and lunch. For a full agenda and to register, visit here. 

To participate in the summit, contact Catherine Tran at [email protected] or (515) 732-8433.

In addition to Community CPA, other sponsors and supporters include: US Bank, Ascentra Credit Union, SCORE Quad Cities, Fortress Bank, WVIK, Francis Law and NPR.