Small Business Owners Build Strong Network Through Free American Express Business Class LIVE Event

American Express’ Business Class LIVE has been connecting business owners and providing them with opportunities to learn from industry experts, leaders and entrepreneurs, building a nationwide network of support.

This year, small business owners from all over the U.S. will come together on July 20, 2022, at New York City’s Javits Center for the 10th annual free Business Class LIVE event to network, engage in interactive panels and workshops, and discuss important topics ranging from cashflow management, marketing strategies and contracting opportunities to wellness in the workplace, and more. Attendees will also be joined by a strong line up of entrepreneurs and small business advocates, including Issa Rae. Those who can’t be there in-person can register to attend the conference virtually here, where they will be able to livestream all panel discussions, mainstage events and breakout sessions.

“What we continue to hear from small business owners is the importance of community and being able to connect with others who are navigating similar experiences across industries. Through Business Class LIVE, we’re giving these business owners a space to have meaningful conversations around relevant topics and to create long-term relationships that can help their businesses grow,” said Clayton Ruebensaal, Executive Vice President, Global Commercial Services Group.

Ruebensaal added, “This particular year is exciting because it marks a decade of bringing everyone together for this event – and being able to do so in-person again is something to look forward to.”

For small business owner Roni Briggs, Co-Founder of Texas-based OSIYO Group – an American Indian, women-owned professional services firm – the meaningful connections she made with other attendees at previous Business Class LIVE events helped lead to successfully executing contracts and growing her professional services firm.

“When I co-founded the OSIYO Group with my business partner in 2003, we had limited access to business resources and support that were financially feasible. So when I started engaging with American Express in 2005 and I learned about the free business events, I was immediately interested in attending” said Briggs.

She added: “Today, we have contracts with tribal governments, federal agencies, native-owned enterprises, and national American Indian organizations. Being able to connect with other like-minded small business owners and government groups that are key to our business was incredibly empowering and such a rewarding experience.”

Necole Parker, Principal/CEO of Washington, DC-based The ELOCEN Group, a program and project management firm providing construction management and facilities support for commercial and federal markets, has been attending Business Class LIVE since 2013. There, she has gained invaluable insight, helping her to expand the company, while simultaneously streamlining operations and efficiency. Recently celebrating 15 years of successful business operation, ELOCEN continues to provide expertise to its respective clients. The company has renewed its sights on marketing and sales, pivoting its expansion to the healthcare, higher education, and hoteling markets.

“Throughout the years, ELOCEN has been able to capitalize on the numerous tools offered through Business Class that have enabled us to improve our pipeline, focus our pursuit efforts more effectively, make federal government and commercial connections, and secure multiple contracts,” according to Parker.

“I’ve really established a trusted network from engaging in Amex programs, which I can readily reach out to at any time to glean business insight. I’ve met so many different businesses, and for me, it’s also important to have a place where I can share my learnings in business to help others, as well.”

Source: American Express