Small Business and Emerging Technologies Conference
The FCC‘s Office of Communications Business Opportunities ("OCBO") hosted this Small Business & Emerging Technologies Conference and Tech Fair which focused on innovation by fledgling entrepreneurs in information technology and telecomm. We highlighted small businesses, and particularly minority and women-owned tech start-ups. We examined some of the challenges that tech start-ups face, as well as some of the more specific issues that often preclude technical innovation in the minority business community. This conference and tech fair was an all-day event with panel discussions on entity formation and incubation, early stage investment strategies, and a showcase of app designers, software/hardware manufacturers, and internet based business owners.
In addition to our panel discussions, we hosted a "Fast Pitch" Program in the afternoon where tech entrepreneurs had a unique opportunity to present their ideas/products to – and get feedback from – experts on launching and capitalizing new businesses. Luminaries from Springboard Enterprises, New Advantage Group, Silicon Harlem, the District of Columbia’s Office for Planning and Economic development, and many others participated.