#United States #Southfield #Small Business #Accelerate Conference #National Entrepreneurs Association

Accelerate Conference: Empowering Metro Detroit Entrepreneurs

The National Entrepreneurs Association (NEA) is set to host an innovative event aimed at accelerating business growth for entrepreneurs in Metro Detroit and beyond. Scheduled for November 6, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel in Southfield, this one-day conference promises to offer valuable insights that can drastically shorten the learning curve for new and established businesses alike.

The 2026 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference and Expo, aptly named Accelerate, is a product of the NEA's commitment to supporting over 8,000 entrepreneurs since its inception. As anyone in the business world knows, the path to success is not always straightforward, and this conference is designed to provide the right tools and connections that can make a significant difference.

Expert Training and Valuable Lessons

Entrepreneurs attending the conference will have the opportunity to partake in expert-led training sessions focusing on essential topics such as marketing strategies, funding opportunities, pitching techniques, artificial intelligence applications, and even book publishing. These workshops are carefully curated to equip participants with practical skills that can lead to tangible growth in their businesses.

One of the highlights of the day will be the chance for attendees to engage one-on-one with representatives from leading business organizations, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses, and Fifth Third Bank. These interactions are invaluable, providing entrepreneurs with tailored advice and mentorship from experienced professionals.

Networking and Community Building

Networking is a crucial component of any successful business venture, and this event places great emphasis on creating connections. Participants can enjoy a power networking lunch where they can meet fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders, share experiences, and forge partnerships that could lead to exciting opportunities.

In addition, the conference will feature alumni reunions from the NEA Entrepreneur Bootcamp, fostering a sense of community and continuity among entrepreneurs who have previously attended NEA training.

Keynote Speakers

The day will kick off with opening remarks from Southfield Mayor Dr. Kenson J. Siver, setting the tone for an inspiring and educational event. Following that, attendees will be treated to a keynote presentation by Precious L. Williams, a renowned corporate sales trainer and bestselling author, who is known for her electrifying talks designed to empower aspiring business owners. Williams will share insights on how to create compelling pitches that resonate with clients and investors alike, drawing from her experience on platforms such as ABC's Shark Tank and TEDx events.

Other speaker sessions will delve into various topics:

• - Hank Barker will discuss actionable strategies for integrating AI into business practices.
• - Ber-Henda Williams will focus on sustainable growth strategies that mitigate burnout.
• - Andrea Walker-Leidy will address the importance of storytelling in marketing and public relations.
• - Tenita Johnson will highlight how to leverage books as a source of multiple income streams.
• - Bardi Yono Jr. will cover the legal essentials that every entrepreneur should know to ensure business growth and protection.

A Unique Opportunity for Growth

Dr. ZaLonya Allen, the President and CEO of NEA, emphasizes the importance of actionable knowledge in today’s fast-paced business environment. “There is a lot of information available right now, so entrepreneurs don’t need more information. They need the right information, the right connections and strategies they can actually use,” she states, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative experience.

With sponsorship from key partners like Fifth Third Foundation and Comcast Business, the event is structured to be accessible, with a registration fee of $97, which includes a complimentary lunch.

To participate and gain insights to elevate their businesses, entrepreneurs in the region can register by calling 248-416-7278 or by visiting the NEA website at nationalentrepreneurs.org/2026-entrepreneur-conference.

The Accelerate Conference is poised to be a pivotal event for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, scale their businesses more effectively than ever before.