Kit Evans-Ford gives the keynote speech during the Minority Business Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
Some business owners and managers at the Minority Business Summit loved getting information on loans, accounting practices and marketing. Others liked hearing about technology advances, such as artificial intelligence. But they all seemed to love the summit because it offered them information to grow their businesses. “This event is helping us get to the next […]
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Some business owners and managers at the Minority Business Summit loved getting information on loans, accounting practices and marketing. Others liked hearing about technology advances, such as artificial intelligence.But they all seemed to love the summit because it offered them information to grow their businesses.
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Kit Evans-Ford watches a video during her keynote address during the Minority Business Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
James Porter of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce welcomes attendees to the Minority Business Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
Audience members listen to the keynote address given by Kit Evans-Ford during the Minority Business Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
Tiffany Gomez
Marlon Ganaway
The Minority Business Summit was held Tuesday.
“This event is helping us get to the next level,” said Nishia Bragg, one of the owners of Bragg BBQ in East Moline.The husband-wife team of Archie and Nishia Bragg were two of the more than 100 local business leaders to attend the Minority Business Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Hotel Blackhawk in downtown Davenport.The summit was presented by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce with sponsor Wells Fargo. It offered a day full of workshops on crucial topics, such as technology, digital marketing strategies, navigating accounting challenges, funding opportunities and more.In addition, the day was a time to show business owners and managers that the Quad Cities cares about them and wants them to succeed, according to one of the summit’s organizers.“I want people here today to know there is a community here that cares about small businesses. … Small businesses make a community a community,” said James Porter, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce vice president of talent & inclusion.That message was received by many who attended the Tuesday summit. For instance, Mr. Bragg said he found the talks on getting loans and other financial resources especially helpful. But the most helpful aspect of the event, he added, was getting out information that will be helpful to numerous businesses in the community.“It’s OK not to know everything. … You can learn something new here all day,” he added.Other minority business owners were also getting business lessons at the summit. Tiffany Gomez – owner of the full-service salon and personal care businesses KRU Salon and KRU Gentlemen in Rock Island – said she found the sessions on accounting and AI helpful. Also, she plans to immediately use some of the tips on social media use to expand her businesses.“Business is going good right now. … I’m hoping to expand into Iowa soon,” she added.Marlon Ganaway, owner of Goldway Construction of Moline, was also at the summit. Goldway has five employees and does a variety of jobs, including roofing, siding, bathroom remodels and other big and small repairs.“People love it when we show up and redo their bathrooms and give them new life,” he said.Tuesday’s event was also great for networking with others in the Quad Cities and perhaps getting Goldway more customers, he added.The subject of attracting and keeping customers was also addressed during the keynote presentation at the summit.Kit Evans-Ford, founder of Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope, has assisted many women and their families in navigating a better life, provided jobs and an economic lifeline to countless people, and shown how kindness can transform lives. She used her keynote address to talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, especially with Agrow’s and Autistic & Loved. That organization provides “chewelry” and special gifts affirming love for autistic children and families.“Autistic & Loved first started because there was a need for more products and resources for children with autism and one of those resources happened to be chewable jewelry. Chewable jewelry is exactly what you think it is, jewelry that you can chew. It provides oral sensory input for children and adults who have sensory needs,” according to the group’s Facebook page.One lesson Ms. Evans-Ford shared is that it’s not enough just to sell good and valuable products. “You have to create an experience for the customer” so they will return, she added.Another big lesson provided by Ms. Evans-Ford is that it often takes patience and persistence to get a business moving. She gave the example of her chewelry products launch.“A lot of people told me ‘No’ with this business. I’ve cried a lot with this. … I was told several times this is a stupid idea,” she said.However, she pushed forward with her ideas, and they have succeeded. In fact, Ms. Evans-Ford told the crowd that the products can now be found in shops at the Quad Cities International Airport, and she is in talks to have them placed in two other area airports.Mr. Porter said that he hopes lessons provided by Ms.Evans-Ford and other business officials at the summit will help local business owners grow and get new customers.“But they also have to know, this is just the start,” he added.