The Small Business Symposium, supported by a grant from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, is a FREE day of business classes perfect for those in the beginning-to-three-year phase of starting a business.  

9 - 10:30 AM

How to Access Business Financing: Chris Groner will explain the various ways to finance your business in Erie County.

10:45 - 11:45 AM Choose one: 

Market Analysis 101: Nimalan Paul will explain how to understand what the market needs, estimate your business's potential, and analyze competitors to help your business grow.

Library Databases for Small Business: Build mailing lists, research competitors, level-up skills, and more with your library card. Learn how in this session.

Lunch Break. Lunch will be provided courtesy of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.

12:30 - 1:30 PM Choose one:

Business Banking Fraud: Members of Marquette Savings Bank will discuss how fraudsters are seeking to scam small businesses through deceit in banking.

Erie County Public Library & Idea Lab: From paper copies to backer gifts, Adobe Suite to 3D prints, pre-entrepreneur classes and more see how the Idea Lab & ECPL support your business.

1:45 - 3:15 Choose one: 

Using AI in Branding: Chris Lantinen explains generative AI, building your brand voice, avoiding AI giveaways, and using AI effectively as an internal tool.

Meet & Greet: Meet and chat with various accelerators, investors, and the Beehive Network, wait around for the small Questions BIG Answers class, or you can leave for the afternoon.

1:45 - 4:30 PM Optional:

Head Shots: Photographer Shaddai Crosby will be on hand to take free head shots for 11 lucky attendees. First 11 to sign up receive a spot. Sign up separately before the symposium at events.erielibrary.org

3:30 - 4:30 PM 

small Questions BIG Answers: Tom Benson will teach this class on starting a business by focusing on basic planning questions to avoid costly mistakes.