This Saturday an educational opportunity for owners and potential owners of small businesses.

The Small Business Development Committee will hold the first of three entrepreneurial “Expos” in three regions throughout the Black Belt. The first Expo will be held this Saturday, April 30at the Demopolis University Center, 186 Field of Dreams Drive Demopolis Sportsplex, from 9:00 AM- 12 Noon.

Demopolis Mayor Cecil P. Williamson said the expo will be an excellent opportunity for people to learn how to get funds or make their businesses operate as efficiently as possible.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for people in the Black Belt and Demopolis to get information on starting a small business,” Williamson said. “It will help some of our small businesses learn to market, advertise and capitalize on the local market.”

The Governor’s Commission for Action in Alabama’s Black Belt has been charged not only to identify the needs of the area, or to identify solutions to problems, but to be engaged in the implementation of those solutions and set the stage for success. This is what the expo is all about.

In a released statement regarding the expo Gov. Bob Riley said they are looking for peoplke with ambition and an eagerness to make their business grow.

“Our targeted audience will be those with a vision of starting a business and those who have already developed their business but wish to grow,” Riley said. “You will have an opportunity to speak to the benefits of your program while fostering relationships with potential participants.”

Riley said they felt fortunate to have so many people working toward positive results.

“There are a tremendous number of people, businesses and organizations both in and out of the Black Belt interested in helping to make a difference in the area,” Riley said. “We’re so glad that we can count on you.”

Vendors are asked to have their booths set up by 9 am in the west hall of the Dempolis University Center. Participants are expected to use the time between 9-10 am to talk to vendors.

The program will begin promptly at 10 a.m. in room 121.

Speakers are asked to arrive by 9:45 a.m.

The program will begin at 10 a.m. in room 121.

Speakers will have the opportunity to speak for approximately 10t o15 minutes.

At approximately 11:15 a.m. there will be a question and answer session with all the speakers.

At 11:30 a.m. there will be two very special speakers, one from AUM and another from the SBA office about loans.

For more information regarding display space, set-up, and material distribution please contact Mayor Cecil P. Williamson, (334)289-0577.

ATTENTION: SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

There will be a representative of the Small Business Administration on site at the Small Business Expo to present a clinic and to take applications for loans.

If you are interested in a loan, please bring the following items if available:

1. EIN Number

2. Last 3 years revenues/sales

3. All owners must be present.

4. Total assets

5. Total liabilities

6. Net Worth

7. Principal’s draw from applicant business

8. Amount of other income – spouse, social security, alimony, etc.

9. A check on the business checking account