Sessions
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Understanding Capital and Growth in Today’s Market
9:10 AM - 9:55 AM
The global economy continues to present both challenges and opportunities for business owners, especially when it comes to accessing and leveraging capital. This conversation will explore how current economic conditions—including inflation, interest rates, and shifting markets—affect the financial strategies and decision-making power of small and diverse business owners.
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Join Brian K. Oglesby, President & CEO of EMSDC and Timothy Roseboro, Sr. Business Consultant with Chase Business Banking, as they provide insights on navigating today’s financial climate. Together, they will discuss how entrepreneurs can strengthen their capital position, manage risk, and position their businesses for sustainable growth despite economic uncertainties.
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Participants will gain:
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A clear understanding of how global economic trends impact access to capital.
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Practical strategies to improve financial resilience and borrowing power.
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Insights into how businesses can adapt to remain competitive in volatile markets.
This interactive discussion is designed to empower business owners with knowledge and tools to better manage capital and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing economic environment.
Presenter:
Brian K. Oglesby
EMSDC/WTC Pittsburgh
President/CEO
Presenter:
Timothy Roseboro
Chase Business Banking
Sr. Business Consultant
Weaving Your Safety Net:
Cultivating Relationships for Business Resilience
10:05 AM - 10:50 AM
When contracts shrink and economic headwinds rise, will your business bend or break? The difference lies in the strength of your cultivated relationships. Join the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia as we move beyond transactional networking to show how to build a genuine safety net of trust, allies, and champions.
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Learn practical strategies to transform connections into a powerful support system that opens doors and shares opportunities. Let's build the resilience your business needs
to not just survive, but thrive through uncertainty.
Presenter:
James Campbell
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Director, Inclusive Growth Initiatives
Collaborate to Compete: Joint Ventures in Action
10:05 AM - 10:50 AM
Looking to scale your business, unlock new markets, or outpace the competition? Joint ventures can be a powerful—but complex—strategy for growth. In this session, dive into a real-world case study of a successful partnership between EMSCO Scientific Enterprises, Inc. and Supra Office Solutions, Inc.
Learn firsthand how they built a joint venture that allowed them to combine strengths, drive innovation, and compete on a larger scale. Walk away with practical insights on how to structure, launch, and sustain a collaborative partnership that delivers measurable results.
Presenter:
Patrick Oates, Ph.D.
EMSCO Scientific Enterprises, Inc.
Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning & Business Development
Presenter:
Hadid Thomas
Supra Office Solutions, Inc.
Senior Account Manager
Strategies to Accelerate Revenue Growth:
Test Drive Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Experience a sample class from the internationally renowned Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. During this session, you will learn to identify your most pressing growth barriers and develop a concrete plan with practical action steps and new tools to create immediate impact in your organization.
The program, which Warren Buffett, Co-Chair of the 10,000 Small Businesses Advisory Council, lauds for providing “best-in-class business management education... to go to the next level,” offers unparalleled support. Discover how this initiative can be the catalyst for your business's next phase of development.
Presenter:
Paisley Demby
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses,
Director of Outreach, Recruitment & Partnerships
Building Local Bridges to Global Supply Chains:
Introducing GSDA’s Global Network
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Discover how the Global Supplier Diversity Alliance (GSDA) connects certified businesses to international supply chains. Led by founding member Cassandra Dorrington, President & CEO of CAMSC, and Brian K. Oglesby, President & CEO of EMSDC/WTCPGH, discover more about the GSDA's mission to harmonize global supplier procurement and create new opportunities for local vendors.
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Learn how this alliance fosters innovative economic growth and provides a clear pathway for your business to compete on a global scale. Join as we understand the tangible benefits and membership process, featuring special messages from international partners.
Presenter:
Brian K. Oglesby
EMSDC/WTC Pittsburgh
President/CEO
Presenter:
Cassandra Dorrington
Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC)
President/CEO
Awakening Your Sleeping Data:
How to Feed AI for Maximum Impact
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Every organization sits on mountains of data, but most of it is asleep or untapped, under-valued, and waiting to be awakened. We’ll cut through the noise: every AI system needs data, but not all data is created equal. The type, uniqueness, and accessibility of your data determine whether AI delivers small iterative improvements or game-changing returns.
Join Adam Paulisick, founder & CEO of SkillyAI (formerly SkillBuilder.io), as we explore practical methods to surface the “sleeping data” you already have, from customer interactions to operational breadcrumbs, and how to amplify it with AI beyond dashboards and analytics.
Presenter:
Adam Paulisick
SkillyAI, Founder/CEO &
Carnegie Mellon University, AI Professor
Doing Business with the Commonwealth of PA:
Mastering State Procurement
1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
Join us for a session crafted to equip small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses with the tools for success. We'll help you demystify the state’s procurement processes, from becoming a registered vendor to securing your state certification.
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Gain critical insight into how the Commonwealth buys goods and services. Accept this invitation to learn how to effectively position your business to access and compete for state contracts.
Presenter:
Dr. Erica Patterson
Commonwealth of PA
Deputy Secretary
Presenter:
Audrey Smith
PA BDSIBO and DGS
Outreach Manager
Beyond the Bank:
Creative Ways of Financing Your Business
1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
Securing capital is a critical hurdle for entrepreneurs. This session provides a strategic overview of creative funding avenues beyond conventional bank loans and equity financing. Presenters Solomon Wheeler and Reagan Chatman will offer expert insights into identifying and qualifying for alternative resources, including public grants, catalyst funding programs, and other innovative financial instruments.
Whether you’re a start-up founder or an established small business, this session will equip you with actionable tools to discover and secure creative funding sources to fuel your next stage of growth.
Presenter:
Reagan Chatman
City of Philadelphia
Business Services Manager
Presenter:
Solomon Wheeler
The Business Center for Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise
Strategic Advisor
Al Conversation - What's Holding You Back from AI?
1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
Feeling overwhelmed by the AI revolution? You're not alone. Join Adam Paulisick, CEO of SkillyAI and Carnegie Mellon University Professor, for a candid, "ask me anything" session designed for entrepreneurs and professionals.
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We'll tackle your biggest questions: Where do I even start? How can AI actually save me time and money? What are the real risks and rewards? Walk away with a clear, actionable understanding of how to leverage AI for marketing, operations, and customer growth—without the technobabble.
Presenter:
Adam Paulisick
SkillyAI, Founder/CEO &
Carnegie Mellon University, AI Professor
Preparing for the Semiquincentennial
2:20 PM - 3:05 PM
As the nation approaches the historic 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026, the opportunities for businesses—large and small—are immense. From tourism and cultural events to supply chain and procurement opportunities, this milestone will bring unprecedented attention, investment, and activity to our region.
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Join us for a thought-provoking moderated discussion on how businesses can strategically prepare to capitalize on the Semiquincentennial. Together, they will explore:
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The scope of economic opportunities tied to 2026 celebrations.
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Practical strategies for small, minority, and local businesses to engage.
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The role of collaboration, partnerships, and readiness in maximizing impact.
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How Philadelphia, as the birthplace of the nation, will be at the center of activity.
This session will offer insight, foresight, and actionable takeaways to ensure businesses are positioned not only to participate but to thrive during this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.
Presenter:
Kenyatta James
The Economy League of Philadelphia
Deputy Executive Director
Presenter:
Michael Newmuis
City of Philadelphia
2026 Director
Presenter:
Pamela Rich-Wheeler
The Business Center
Executive Director