Two days ago, Fox Valley SCORE hosted its 3rd Annual Small Business Forum. Since Americans seem to be increasingly switching from employee to employer (becoming their own bosses), a greater need has emerged for the know-how to do this. Learning about the political, social and economic consequences is crucial and these forums – attended by local experts – set out to assist in the matters.
The event took place at the Northern Illinois University Conference Center (in Naperville) from 8.30am to 2.30pm, and, as in the past, successfully presented take-away tools for small businesses to “advance and grow into thriving enterprises.” Topics covered included: plan building, how to start, product/service pricing, cash flow management. As well, participants were able to network with other SME owners to exchange information and support each other.
Keynote speaker was Anderson’s Bookshops and Anderson’s Bookfair’s co-owner, Becky Anderson whose topic was the impact on the local community of small businesses. As a fifth generation family business manager (which started back in 1875 in Napervile) Anderson was President of the American Booksellers Association for seven years and a year ago started her four-year term on the Naperville City Council. Her mantra of “put your money where your heart is – home,” has resulted in her making her a true “treasure to her business and community.”