NAWBO PF&B‘s ”Paying the Right Amount of Tax and Not a Dollar More!”

As a business owner, you work hard to drive your financial success. Taxes, though, can take almost half of your profits if you’re not planning smartly. Terms like LLC, S corp, and C corp are tossed around but what do they mean and which is right for your business today or in the future? What are the benefits of each and how can you keep hard-earned profits rather than paying those profits over in taxes.

Learn more about differences among business structures and benefits of each including accountable plans, Augusta rule, and employing your own children.

The cost is $10 (plus the Eventbrite processing fees). Breakfast is included.

We’ll be at the Cozy Café & Restaurant on 216 E. Broad St. in Bethlehem, PA.

Our Presenters: Vanessa Rivera and Suzanne Barba

Vanessa Rivera is a realtor®, community advocate, financial empowerment leader and connector who blends real-estate savvy with a heart for community empowerment. She spent more than two decades in banking, holding a variety of positions before advancing to Vice President Business Development Officer where she helped many businesses establish themselves and secure financing through her expertise in community banking. Now focused on real estate with Century 21 Keim Realty, she draws on over 20 years of combined banking and real-estate experience to guide first-time buyers and families through life-changing transitions with empathy and expertise. Known throughout the Lehigh Valley for her ability to connect people and resources, Vanessa leverages her extensive network to bridge communities and opportunities.

Vanessa’s mission is to open doors—literally and figuratively. She’s committed to financial education and homeownership for underserved families. That passion has led to several honors: the 2025 Community Advocate Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Greater Lehigh Valley; a 2024 Community Heroes (Hometown Hero) naming from Family Promise of the Lehigh Valley for her partnership supporting families experiencing homelessness; and a 2025 Woman of Influence honor from Lehigh Valley Business to recognize high-achieving women for career accomplishments, community involvement, and commitment to mentoring.

Beyond her business and advocacy work, Vanessa sits on the board of the East Penn Chamber of Commerce and founded a women’s network that uplifts and connects female entrepreneurs. She continues to mentor small businesses, share financial literacy, and champion inclusive economic growth. When she’s not closing deals or leading community initiatives, you’ll find her exploring new destinations because whether at home or abroad, connecting people and possibilities is at the heart of what she does.

Suzanne Barba is an experienced tax professional who started her own tax practice in 2019 after a successful career that included a senior role in a Big 4 public accounting firm as well as the tax director for the private bank of a global bank. In addition to being a certified public accountant, she has a master’s in taxation.

Suzanne’s practice focuses on making taxes easier and more understandable for busy professionals and successful entrepreneurs whether looking at tax compliance or strategies to save taxes.
Suzanne enjoys teaching and working with new entrepreneurs. She has been an adjunct professor at the graduate level at Widener University’s School of Business. She has also worked with students as part of Monmouth University’s Business Council at the Leon Hess School of Business and has been a consultant at NextFab:Makerspaces in Philadelphia offering business and tax guidance to entrepreneurs.

Suzanne has been a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Philadelphia Chapter since 2022 and has chaired its DEIB Committee as well as co-chaired its Power Friday & Beyond Committee. Suzanne is currently Secretary for the Chapter.

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

Get App

Host or Publisher NAWBO Philadelphia