Date and Time
Wednesday May 4, 2022
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT
May 4
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Scroll down to the description for more details about our program.
Location
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa
5400 John Q. Hammons Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28027
Fees/Admission
$50 member ticket
$65 nonmember ticket
$300 - Member Reserved Table of 6 (attendees)
$250 - Exhibitor Table (includes two people to attend and work the table)
$385 - Double Exhibitor Table (includes three people to attend an work the table)
Contact Information
Alison Paladino
Send Email
Description
The Small Business Conference includes networking opportunities, dynamic and informative speakers, lunch by Embassy Suites and more!
Conference speakers will include:
Keynote Speaker: Brandon Lindsey, Dream on 3
Brandon is a dreamer, and he’s also a doer. With over 25 years of experience in both the corporate and private sectors of the construction industry, Brandon currently serves as the Vice President of Operations at Hoopaugh Grading Company in Charlotte, NC. That’s his paying job.
Brandon, his wife Elizabeth and their two girls reside in Harrisburg which is also home to their social impact organization, Dream On 3, founded in 2013. The non-profit was created to make sports dreams come true for young dreamers living with life-altering medical conditions. The program model uses the unifying principles of sports and the power of teamwork to share hope, love and joy. With the support of their many donors and volunteers, these programs are creating positive, systemic change within the communities in which they serve. Dream On 3 has quickly become one of the fastest dream granting organizations in the country, with programs and locations serving more than 10 states. That’s his passion.
Brandon says “construction feeds my family, but Dream On 3 feeds my soul”. He's joining us for to share his experiences with us as well as his unique perspective on how to achieve your dreams!

Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Program
Our presenter, Jacquie Spearman, is one of the six Government Contract Assistance Program counselors available to assist businesses in North Carolina with the Small Business and Technology Development Centers (SBTDC). The North Carolina GCAP educates business associates on how to obtain contracts by providing comprehensive assistance in selling products and services to local, state, and federal government agencies. Jacquie has been providing technical services to the eight counties in the Piedmont area including the Metropolitan area of Charlotte for three years. Spearman will be providing information on available programs and how small businesses can gain access.
Building your Small Business Team
Our panel will be moderated by local small business owner, Steve Steinbacher, Cabarrus Brewing Company and includes: Jack Puckett, First Citizens Bank; Chantel Daia, Two Minds Group; Zac Moretz, Moretz Law Group, P.A.; Justin Moore, Sublmnl Designs; Ladoska Keeter, Gordon Keeter & Co. CPA.
Mental Health in your Small Business
Running a small business is a lifestyle. Are you taking care of yourself and your employees from a mental health perspective? Dr. Natalie R. Atwell, LCMHCS of Concord Counseling Associates will speak about your mental health needs and how you can support your employees.
Dr. Atwell has a Doctorate of Education in Family Care and Counseling. She owns and operates a small business of 10 employees as a private counseling practice in Concord, NC. A long term resident of Cabarrus County, she is also former school counselor in Cabarrus County schools and at RCCC. Dr. Atwell is an adjunct faculty member at Liberty University teaching in the clinical mental health and school counseling programs. In addition to teaching and counseling, she consults with businesses, school systems, and other organizations to provide training and consulting on mental health and wellness.

Creating Accessibility and Partnerships
Learn key insights on internal processes your businesses can adapt to create accessibility and partnerships that encourage diversity and inclusion. Emma Sellers, City of Concord's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, will share first steps, best practices and more! Emma Sellers joined the City of Concord in May of 2021 as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. She comes to the City of Concord from a background in higher education in a variety of roles at two universities, and serving as Director of Multicultural Affairs for 10 years. During this time, she worked with all aspects of the university to ensure equitable practices in recruitment, hiring, retention, curriculum development, community engagement and programming for faculty, staff and students. In her current role, Emma works with internal and external stakeholders to ensure equitable and inclusive practices and policies in the City of Concord.

Triple 7 Creative will be offering professional headshots for purchase during the conference, by appointment. Read more about the Triple 7 Creative headshot experience and service here.
Appointment booking and payment is handled directly with Marcello Aquino, photographer, here.