Senator Oppenheimer and WEDC to Host Upcoming Small Busines & Economic Development Forum

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) and the Women’s Enterprise Development Center Inc. (WEDC) are pleased to announce that they will host a Small Business & Economic Development Forum on Tuesday, October 18th, 2011, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Avenue, White Plains.  This is the 20^th small business conference hosted by the Senator, which is being held this year with the generous support of Capital One Bank. 

This year’s forum will focus on “Putting Small Business First in New York” and will feature Steve Cohen, Senior Vice President and Deputy Commissioner of Empire State Development (ESD).  Since joining ESD, Cohen has led efforts to implement and refine programs to support small business development, increase access to capital, and improve the economic climate in communities throughout New York State.  Over the past year, ESD programs have facilitated the creation of hundreds of new businesses, millions of dollars in capital investments in small businesses and community development projects, and the creation and retention of thousands of jobs.

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of any economic recovery, creating disproportionately more new jobs than other sector of the economy,” observed Senator Oppenheimer.  “That’s why I am delighted that Deputy Commissioner Cohen will be here to talk about the State’s renewed focus on supporting small businesses, particularly minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs).  Both new and established entrepreneurs will benefit from hearing what New York State can do to help their businesses thrive.”

The forum will also feature successful local minority and women-owned business entrepreneurs who will share their experiences with the MWBE certification process and doing business with the State.  In addition, representatives of various government agencies and private organizations will be present to provide resource materials and offer one-on-one assistance.

“As a local nonprofit provider of small business development services,  we are delighted to cosponsor this forum with Senator Oppenheimer and are pleased to see that the State is revitalizing its efforts to support  the growth of small businesses,” noted Anne Janiak, WEDC’s Executive Director.

There is still time to register for the October 18^th forum.  Interested parties should contact Kenya Ajose of WEDC, kajose@westchester.org, (914) 948-6098 x 10.  Breakfast refreshments will be served and admission is free.

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