Press release 16-38

Obama Cabinet Member Promotes Millennial Entrepreneurship with SBA MBK Millennial Entrepreneur Champion during National Small Business Week at world famous Apollo Theater

WASHINGTON – SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, Broderick Johnson an Obama Cabinet Secretary, and SBA’s My Brother’s Keeper Millennial Entrepren...

WASHINGTON – SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, Broderick Johnson an Obama Cabinet Secretary, and SBA’s My Brother’s Keeper Millennial Entrepreneur Champion Mike Muse will bring together millennials at the world famous Apollo Theater in New York on May 3 during day three of National Small Business Week events for the finale of the MBK Millennial Entrepreneurs Video Series and conversation focused on moving millennial entrepreneurship forward.

The event will culminate the six-part video series, titled “Biz My Way,” that encourages millennials to follow their passion in business and highlights successful millennial entrepreneurs in the world of music, fashion, sports, technology and culinary.  The series, hosted by Muse, raises awareness of the entrepreneurial pursuits young people are trailblazing and charting a path towards. Throughout the video series, Muse uses the interviews to “de-construct” a business plan and highlight specific topics of relevance to millennials. 

Muse, a successful music executive and radio personality, will co-host the event with Contreras-Sweet highlighting the individual journeys of the diverse entrepreneurs.  Featured panelists at the event will include the series’ entrepreneurs showcased including digital innovator Reggie Miller, technology investor Jason Mowatt, celebrity trainer Ehinomen “Hollywood Hino” Ehikhamenor, Being Latino founder Lance Rios, Chef Maxcel Hardy and Beyoncé’s stylist and designer Ty Hunter. The event will also incorporate video clips as well as Q&A segments.

In addition, Cabinet Secretary Broderick Johnson, Chair of the My Brother’ Keeper Task Force, will be in attendance to deliver remarks on behalf of the President and to discuss the MBK Initiative and its impact on young people, especially young men of color. Two years ago, President Barack Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) to address persistent opportunity gaps and to tear down barriers that too often prevent boys and young men of color and other young people from realizing their potential. Since then, the call to action has been answered by SBA and other federal partners. All industries including, federal and local government, business, nonprofits, local education agencies, event individuals such as Muse have worked to make a difference in the lives of the young people of our nation.

The interactive discussion will provide an opportunity for attendees to network with other millennials interested in entrepreneurship, while sharing the stories of successful minority entrepreneurs who have transcended in their fields. The conversation will foster opportunities for open dialogue and discussion.

Event Location:

The Apollo Theater – Soundstage
253 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (EDT)

Agenda*

5:30pm – 6:30pm       Doors Open
6:30pm – 7:00pm       Networking
7:00pm – 7:30pm       Opening & Welcome Remarks
7:30pm – 8:30pm       Program
8:30pm – 9:30pm       Reception

*Note: The agenda is subject to change

The public is invited to the MBK Millennial Entrepreneurs Video Series Live at the Apollo Theater, and can register for free at https://nsbwapollombk.eventbrite.com.

Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation designating National Small Business Week.  This year’s celebration will take place May 1-7 around the nation with events planned in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, New York, Denver, Phoenix, Oakland and San Jose Calif,  The theme this year is  “Dream Big, Start Small.” 

Events throughout the week will be live-streamed on SBA’s website.  There will also be the opportunity during events for live social media engagement using the hashtag #DreamSmallBiz.

For more information on National Small Business Week events, please visit www.sba.gov/smallbusinessweek.

 

About the Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.  The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.  Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. www.sba.gov

 

Cosponsorship Authorization #SBW2016 SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA/SCORE programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.  Contact: smallbusinessweek@sba.gov. SCORE is partially funded by SBA Cooperative Agreement No. SBAHQ-14-S-0001.

National Small Business Week 2016 sponsors include: Chase for Business, SCORE, ADP, Colonial Life, Intuit, Sam’ s Club, Square, YP, ESET, Facebook, Instagram, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL) and VEDC

Media contacts

U.S. Small Business Administration