GrowSmartBiz Conference - Helping Small Business Owners Grow Their Business

Network Solutions and The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business have put together the first-ever GrowSmartBiz Conference, a one-day educational conference and networking event featuring renowned small business leaders and well-known industry experts from across the U.S.  I am fortunate to have been chosen as one of the panelists at the conference and am looking very forward to it.

The conference will focus on key areas of business that small businesses view as critical to their success according to the 1,500 small businesses that were interviewed for the Small Business Success Index (SBSI).

The goal of the event is to provide small business owners with the proper tools in today’s marketplace that will best grow their business. The event is being held on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C.

What topics will be covered?

• Driving Small Business Performance with Marketing & Innovation
• Raising Capital with Effective Finance Strategies
• Staying Ahead in the Current Economy
• Social Media Marketing

Is there a keynote speaker?

• Yes - Chris Anderson, Editor-in-Chief of WIRED magazine, Author of “The Long Tail” and most recently, “Free fame!”

What will you get out of it?

• Insights into best practices of successful small businesses
• Strategies for growth despite the current economy
• Cost-effective ways to market and promote their businesses
• Tips for raising capital
• An opportunity to connect with small business owners, experts, and solution providers

Who should attend?

• Small business owners
• Entrepreneurs
• Aspiring CEOs

For more information, check out the GrowSmartBiz Conference web site, the GrowSmartBiz page on Cvent.com or the Network Solutions’ blog.

To save $100 on registration, click on the GrowSmartBiz  icon/widget located at the bottom of the right hand column of any page on LoudounScene.com.

Loudoun County Farmers’ Markets Opening Soon

The Loudoun Valley HomeGrown Markets Association will be opening their six Loudoun locations between May 2 and June 7. The six locations include Leesburg, Ashburn, Middleburg, Cascades, Purcellville and their newest one, Brambleton.

The Farmers’ Markets provide Loudoun residents an alternative to the local grocery store and are a great way to support local area farmers. Though the produce at the Farmer’s Markets may not be as good as what comes from your grandma’s vegetable garden, it sure beats much of the produce found in the local grocery stores.

Not a veggie person? No problem. The Farmers’ Markets include fresh fruit, meat and eggs from area farmers. Steak and eggs anyone?

Check out the Loudoun Valley HomeGrown Markets Association web site for a list of each location’s opening date and events.