Success Summit 2010

Minority business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs in search of success during the economic downturn found it last month.

“Success Summit 2010: ACCESS GRANTED” took place at the Colorado Convention Center, drawing hundreds of business and community leaders, area entrepreneurs and nationally-known celebrities — all of whom were granted access to information, inspiration and income opportunities that helped put them on the path to success.

Designed for ethnic business leaders, professionals and youth, the daylong summit offered relevant workshops, a Success Expo and a networking luncheon.

Financial literacy education at an early age is critical to financial success as an adult. This year’s Summit Youth Program was a collaborative effort with YouthBiz and the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). YouthBiz teens participated in fun, interactive learning ‘modules’ designed to teach them personal financial literacy, investing basics and budgeting.

The free Success Expo featured some of the region’s top business experts, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Aurora Business Development Center, financial planners, local small businesses, recruiters and representatives from educational institutions such as University of Denver and Colorado Technical University. The Success Expo also offered free workshops ranging from debt reduction to going “green” in your home.

Success Summit 2010 is also designed to inspire attendees. Hundreds of community and business leaders attended the Success Summit Networking Luncheon, emceed by comedienne MESHELLE – The Indie Mom of Comedy. Mayor John Hickenlooper provided opening comments. Instead of a single keynote speaker, this year’s luncheon featured a “Success Panel” including local businessman Richard Lewis of RTL Networks; Investment advisor Agnes Media; nationally recognized financial coach and author Lynette Khalfani-Cox; and former Denver Bronco and all-pro wide receiver Rod Smith.

Luncheon attendees also experienced the transformation of the 2009 MRBES Biz Makeover Contest winner, Lisa Givens of A Gourmet Away. A video chronicled Lisa’s year-long experience as BizHaven overhauled her entire brand, enhanced her website and implemented new technology. She also received input on her business plan and assistance to become more efficient in business, as well as coaching on growing her business.

Success Summit 2010 was presented by the Mountain Region Black Economic Summit, a local nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the economic standing of the region’s minority and women-owned businesses, civic organizations and families.

Event sponsors and partners include Xcel Energy, City & County of Denver, Wells Fargo Bank, MillerCoors, Kaiser Permanente, DenverBlackPages.com, Denver Metro Small Business Development Center, Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado, Hyatt Regency Denver, Prudential, Colorado Technical University, Southwest Airlines, KUVO KVJZ, KLDC 800 AM, Urban Spectrum Newspaper.
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