Connect With Small Business Exhibitors at the 2017 Entrepreneurs Summit

Small businesses play a crucial role in local communities around the country as well in our nation’s economy as a whole. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, “more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.”

This is why it’s important to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurs and small business owners each year during National Small Business Week. In honor of Small Business Week, Black Enterprise is highlighting some of the small businesses that will be featured at the business expo hall at the 2017 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit. If you’re planning to attend the conference, be sure to stop by “The Exchange — Exhibitor Setup” and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with and learn from some of these forward-thinking entrepreneurs as they share their strategies and solutions.

Here are a just few of the businesses that you’ll meet:

Hammer & Nails Grooming

After achieving a successful career as a Hollywood screenwriter and entertainment business executive, Michael Elliot decided to go into business for himself. His idea to launch his own business was sparked when he realized that he couldn’t find a nail salon that provided grooming services specifically catered to men. To fill this need, in 2013 he opened the first Hammer & Nails, a grooming shop for guys, on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.

Elliot was also featured in the Season 6 premiere of ABC’s Shark Tank. Although he didn’t convince the Sharks to invest in his company, the gained national TV exposure took his company to a whole new level.

She’s Happy Hair

The motto for She’s Happy Hair is “happy hair starts with the source.” The company, which is owned by Christie Thompson, sells 100% unprocessed virgin hair. It also offers customers the option to buy Malaysian, Peruvian, and Brazilian hair in a wide range of lengths and styles.

Calbert’s Weddings and Events

Calbert’s Weddings and Events is an event service company that specializes in bringing fantasy dream weddings to life. The company is owned by Aliah Calbert, who runs a team of certified event and wedding planners.

EFS Group L.L.C.

If you’re looking for assistance in handling your business’ taxes or consultation about your business structure, then be sure to connect with EFS Group. The EFS Group consists of a team of certified public accountants that work with clients to solve their financial needs and help them reach their financial goals.

The Kyra Co.

Kyra Hardwick is an operational leader who specializes in team integration and developing process delivery methods within organizations. She is also the owner of The Kyra Co., which provides human resources-driven organizational development consultative analysis and strategic planning solutions within organizations. She uses her expertise to offer corporate companies and nonprofits a refreshing perspective on leadership. Her business also provides strategic methods designed to create and grow successful teams along with solutions to strengthen and grow your organization.

Rolloway Productions L.L.C.

In 2014, Kenneth Davis took his passion for roller skating and turned it into a full-fledged business. Before launching Rolloway Productions, Davis had a dream of one day creating a television show that showcases roller-skating, one of America’s most favored pastimes. Now Rolloway Productions L.L.C. provides entertainment to the American public through Davis’ reality-competition skate-dance TV show, ROLL TRAIN. The company also produces inspirational online videos, live productions showcasing roller skate dance, and classes for beginning to professional skaters.

Economic Blueprint Program 

The mission of The Economic Blueprint Program is to use the collective power of black dollars to eradicate poverty and create jobs in black communities. All it takes is just 5 cents a day, which equates to 35 cents a week, $1.40 a month, and $18.20 a year. When you multiply that amount by 16 million wage earners, you get $291,000,000 in just a year.

If you’re interested in showcasing your business at the Entrepreneurs Summit, you still have time! Sign up for a booth at www.blackenterprise.com/es and register as an exhibitor. Even better, your booth purchase comes with three full registrations! For more details, e-mail Damian Scott at scottd@blackenterprise.com.