CVMSDC: Small Business Summit '25

The CVMSDC Small Business Summit, themed “Accessible Development: Advancing Your Potential,” will bring entrepreneurs together at TIAA headquarters in Charlotte for a day designed by MBEs, for MBEs. Every workshop is built around the lived experiences of small business owners, tackling the real challenges of growth, procurement, and innovation with insights you can put to work immediately. With the generous support of and , the Summit delivers not just inspiration but access — access to proven strategies, powerful networks, and pathways that move MBEs forward.

This year’s program is structured with a dual-track format, giving attendees the freedom to choose sessions that fit their specific goals. Whether your focus is scaling operations, leveraging technology, or strengthening your financial footing, each track offers practical content and peer-driven expertise. Anchored by the theme Accessible Development: Advancing Your Potential, the Summit ensures that every participant leaves with actionable tools, valuable connections, and the momentum to take their business to the next level.

This event is open to all small business owners—whether certified or non-certified—who are ready to take bold steps toward growth. Through thought-provoking sessions, networking opportunities, and actionable takeaways, the summit will give you the tools to advance your potential and make business development more accessible than ever.

Info: This workshop explores the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) — a proven framework designed to help small businesses clarify their vision, gain traction, and strengthen team health. Through practical insights and tools, attendees will learn how EOS creates a simple structure to align leadership, drive accountability, and achieve long-term business goals. Participants will also:

Understand the six key components of EOS (Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction)
Discover how EOS helps eliminate organizational dysfunction and foster clarity
Leave with actionable next steps for implementing EOS within their own business

Info: This advanced session explores data-driven sales and marketing strategies that prioritize authentic customer relationships. Participants will learn how to leverage CRM insights, personalization, and marketing automation to drive scalable growth while maintaining a human touch. Key takeaways include:

Using customer data to craft targeted campaigns and nurture leads
Aligning sales and marketing teams for a unified customer journey
Balancing automation and AI with genuine relationship-building to achieve sustainable revenue growth

Info: This hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs), showing how these tools are transforming small business operations. Designed for beginners, it breaks down AI concepts into real-world applications across sales, marketing, and operations. Participants will:

Learn how AI and LLMs boost efficiency in daily workflows
Explore practical use cases for content creation, customer service, and automation
Gain a framework for adopting AI responsibly and effectively in small businesses

Info: This advanced financial workshop equips small business owners with strategies to optimize cash flow, navigate tax complexities, and plan for sustainable growth. Participants will learn best practices for financial forecasting, compliance, and leveraging tax incentives to maximize profitability. Key takeaways include:

Strategies for effective cash flow management and forecasting
Insight into tax planning opportunities and compliance essentials
Tools to strengthen financial decision-making and long-term growth

Info: Expand your professional network and build connections with RING peers, as well as Corporate Partners.

Info: This advanced session explores data-driven sales and marketing strategies that prioritize authentic customer relationships. Participants will learn how to leverage CRM insights, personalization, and marketing automation to drive scalable growth while maintaining a human touch. Key takeaways include:

Using customer data to craft targeted campaigns and nurture leads
Aligning sales and marketing teams for a unified customer journey
Balancing automation and AI with genuine relationship-building to achieve sustainable revenue growth

Info: This workshop explores the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) — a proven framework designed to help small businesses clarify their vision, gain traction, and strengthen team health. Through practical insights and tools, attendees will learn how EOS creates a simple structure to align leadership, drive accountability, and achieve long-term business goals. Participants will also:

Understand the six key components of EOS (Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction)
Discover how EOS helps eliminate organizational dysfunction and foster clarity
Leave with actionable next steps for implementing EOS within their own business

Info: This advanced financial workshop equips small business owners with strategies to optimize cash flow, navigate tax complexities, and plan for sustainable growth. Participants will learn best practices for financial forecasting, compliance, and leveraging tax incentives to maximize profitability. Key takeaways include:

Strategies for effective cash flow management and forecasting
Insight into tax planning opportunities and compliance essentials
Tools to strengthen financial decision-making and long-term growth

Info: Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming small business operations. This hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of AI tools, including practical applications in sales, marketing, and operations. Designed for beginners, the session will break down AI concepts into accessible, real-world uses.

Info: This dynamic panel brings together successful Small Business Owners (SBs) to share strategies, insights, and lived experiences on thriving in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. Panelists will discuss the challenges facing small businesses, explore opportunities for growth, and offer actionable guidance on building resilience and competitiveness in uncertain times.

Key Takeaways:

Gain practical insights into how SBs are adapting to market, policy, and technology shifts
Learn strategies for accessing capital, building partnerships, and leveraging certifications
Walk away with real-world advice on sustaining growth and creating long-term value in competitive industries

Info: The Corporate Connection session provides a dedicated space for Small Business Owners (SBs) and corporate partners to connect directly. Attendees will hear from corporate leaders about supplier priorities, procurement trends, and partnership opportunities. The session will transition into the Corporate Connection Fair, offering direct engagement with potential partners.

Key Takeaways:

Understand what corporations seek in successful supplier partnerships
Learn how to position your business for procurement success
Build meaningful relationships with decision-makers that can lead to tangible opportunities

Info: Table Connections between SBs's and Corporate Partners

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council