11:20 AM - 11:45 PM  

Mariel has spent her professional career in franchising and is an enthusiastic proponent of entrepreneurship today. This intensive seminar will unveil the strategies and resources you need to secure substantial funding for your small business. Learn how to navigate the financial landscape, identify lucrative opportunities, and attract the investment your business deserves. 

Who Should Attend:

• Entrepreneurs considering franchising, who need funding solution
• Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and ambitious plans
• Anyone looking to understand the funding landscape for small businesses

11:45 PM - 12:10 PM

Ready to take your successful business to the next level? This expert panel discussion, hosted by Steve Phelps, Vice President of Franchise Genesis, will explore the exciting world of franchising and how it can fuel the growth of your existing brand.



In this workshop, you'll learn:

• The benefits and considerations of franchising your business model.
• Proven strategies for developing a successful franchise program.
• Insights from Steve Phelps and other franchise development experts.
• How to identify ideal franchisees to expand your reach.
• Answers to your questions about franchising your business.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and explore the franchising potential of your business!

 12:10 PM - 12:35 PM

12:35 PM - 1:00 PM

Kathleen Cronin | New Jersey Business Expert

Kathleen served as the Head of Outreach at the New Jersey Small Business Development Center in Bergen County, where she  dedicated her efforts to providing small business owners with invaluable no-cost business management counseling and information services. As the Head of Outreach at the center, Kathleen has been a tireless champion, leading the charge to empower and uplift the small business community in New Jersey.

Who Should Attend:

• Women considering starting their own business
• Early-stage women entrepreneurs seeking guidance and support
• Established women business owners looking to expand their network and knowledge
  
  

 1:00 AM - 1:25 AM

Franchise Basics: Is Franchising Right for You? Self-Assessment and Discovery

Maddie Corza | Senior Franchise Consultant

Ready to explore if franchising is your path to entrepreneurial success? Join Maddie Corza, a dedicated franchise consultant, for an engaging seminar that helps you uncover whether franchising aligns with your goals and lifestyle. Through a guided self-assessment, Maddie will empower you to evaluate your strengths, passions, and resources to determine if franchise ownership is the right fit. Discover the key factors to consider, from financial readiness to personal aspirations, and gain clarity on the next steps to navigate the franchise world with confidence. This session is your first step toward building a thriving business tailored to your unique vision!

Who Should Attend:

• Those who have recently started a business and are looking for guidance on how to grow and succeed.
• Aspiring entrepreneurs curious about franchise ownership.
• Individuals seeking a structured business model to achieve their dreams.
• Anyone looking to assess their readiness for franchising and explore opportunities.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from Maddie Corza and take the first step toward your franchise future!

 1:25 PM - 1:55 PM

EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP

Vincent Vicari  |  Director of the New Jersey Campus Business Development Center

Vince Vicari is a Bergen County native who joined the NJSBDC network in 2008 after a successful and wide-ranging career in retail management, sales, food service, higher education and consulting. His credentials include an M.B.A. from National University in San Diego, a B.A. from William Paterson College, and an A.A.S. from Bergen Community College.

Vince is a recognized expert in small business development, having been honored with awards like the "State Star" for his excellence in assisting entrepreneurs. Vicari's career includes experience in retail management, sales, and consulting, which he leverages to help new and existing business owners succeed. He is particularly dedicated to helping diverse groups, including veterans and immigrants, achieve their business ownership goals. His seminars, like "Exploring the Benefits of Business Ownership," focus on providing practical guidance and resources for entrepreneurs.

Who Should Attend:

• Those who have recently started a business and are looking for guidance on how to grow and succeed.
• People who are considering leaving a traditional job to pursue self-employment.
• Anyone interested in exploring the potential of owning a franchise or buying an existing business.
• Veterans and Immigrants - Vince's focus on helping diverse groups, this seminar would be especially beneficial for these communities looking to start their own businesses.

1:55 PM - 2:30 PM

This seminar will explore the dynamic landscape of Indian entrepreneurship in the United States. The rise of Indian business ownership and the challenges and opportunities faced by Indian entrepreneurs. Join our esteemed panelists, Kapil Manocha and Ronak Patel as they offer expert advice on leveraging cultural heritage, mentorship, funding and building a strong network.

This seminar is ideal for:

• Aspiring South Asian entrepreneurs
• Established business owners seeking growth strategies
• Anyone interested in the future of American business

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

AI Lead Generation: How to Thrive in the Next Era of Social Media

Hosted by Jaxon Wright | AI Lead Generation Specialist

Ready to supercharge your business with cutting-edge lead generation? Join Jaxon Wright, a trailblazing AI Lead Generation Specialist, for an electrifying seminar that unveils how to dominate the next era of social media using artificial intelligence. Discover how AI-powered strategies can transform your marketing, skyrocket engagement, and drive high-quality leads like never before. Jaxon will share actionable insights to harness AI tools, optimize social media campaigns, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This session is your ticket to thriving in the future of business growth!

Who Should Attend:

• Business owners eager to amplify their lead generation efforts.
• Entrepreneurs and startups looking to scale through innovative marketing.
• Marketing professionals seeking to master AI and social media strategies.
• Anyone ready to thrive in the next wave of digital business growth.



Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Jaxon Wright and revolutionize your lead generation with AI-powered social media strategies!

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

HOW TO BUILD A 7-9 FIGURE BUSINESS Keynote Speaker Bill Walsh

Bill Walsh | Founder & CEO Powerteam International, Venture Capitalist & Business Coach 

Economic uncertainty doesn’t have to hold you back! Join Bill Walsh, a business growth titan with over 30 years of experience, for a transformative seminar that arms you with the tools to not just survive but dominate in any economic climate. Through his proven Success by Design framework, Bill will share battle-tested strategies to launch, grow, and future-proof your business. This high-impact session will empower you to harness disruptive innovation, sharpen your vision, and scale smarter—locally or globally. Take control of your future and learn how to build a resilient, thriving business that stands strong against any storm.



Key Takeaways:

• Leverage disruptive innovation to launch and grow a future-proof business.
• Craft a clear vision, mission, and purpose to stay focused and achieve your goals.
• Utilize free, powerful marketing tools to drive leads, sales, and partnerships.
• Discover strategies to scale your business locally, regionally, nationally, or globally.
• Build winning daily habits to ensure consistent, long-term success.

Who Should Attend:

• Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to thrive in uncertain economic times.
• Startup founders aiming to build a scalable, resilient business model.
• Professionals looking to sharpen their marketing and growth strategies.
• Anyone ready to take control and achieve lasting business success.

Don’t just weather the storm—seize this opportunity to learn from Bill Walsh and equip your business with the strategies to soar!