Select Page

THE 11TH ANNUAL GREATER SUMMIT BUSINESS CONFERENCE AND MATCHMAKER

JUNE 18TH 2025

8:30AM TO 1:30PM
QUAKER STATION
135 S. BROADWAY STREET,
AKRON, OH 44308

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

About the Event

The biggest event of the year

The Ultimate Matchmaker consists of Nonprofit, Small Businesses, and Corporate Partners looking to provide contract opportunities to Businesses. Building upon the success of earlier matchmakers where millions of dollars in contract opportunities have been successfully awarded.

Featured Workshops

Workshop 1: Funding and Organizing a Nonprofit

Funding and organizing a nonprofit requires careful planning, legal structuring, and sustainable financial strategies…

Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Theresa Carter

Theresa Carter

President - Synthomer Foundation

Moderator

Kemp Boyd

Kemp Boyd

Executive Director - Love Akron

Panelist

Cheryl Stephens

Cheryl Stephens

President/CEO - EANDC

Panelist

Darnell Davis

Darnell Davis

Director - Business Volunteers Unlimited

Panelist

Brenda Stevens

Brenda Stevens

MBAC Regional Director - Akron Urban League

Panelist

Brandi Parker

Brandi Parker

Assistant Director - Family and Community Services

Panelist

Workshop 2: Articulating Your Value Proposition in a Shifting Landscape

is a strong title—very relevant in today’s fast-changing business environment…

Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Lynnise Smith

Lynnise Smith

Moderator

Terry Bolden

Terry Bolden

District Director - U.S. SBA

Panelist

Berlon Hamilton

Berlon Hamilton

Director Supplier Development - Cleveland Clinic

Panelist

Michael Taylor

Michael Taylor

Vice President - Welty Building Company

Panelist

Linda Peavy

Linda Peavy

Moderator

Workshop 3: How to Win Grants for Businesses and Nonprofits Despite DEI Rollbacks and Federal Cuts

Securing grants for businesses and nonprofits amid DEI rollbacks and federal funding cuts requires strategic adaptation…

Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025

1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

About the event

The Greater Summit Business Conference & Expo, a collaborative effort by the County of Summit, the City of Akron, and various partners, is designed to unite nonprofits, small businesses, Small Business Enterprises, and corporate partners from across Ohio. This event aims to foster diversity, cooperation, and innovation by connecting businesses of all sizes and industries with the necessary opportunities to achieve success through partnerships, while also supporting the broader economic development of the community.

The primary objective of the conference is to encourage collaboration among the nonprofit sector, small businesses, and corporate businesses, enabling them to engage with larger corporations for growth and development. Participants will benefit from a range of activities including workshops and networking opportunities. Additionally, certified small businesses may have access to contracting opportunities with corporations, as well as city and state agencies

Previous Matchmaker Event

Registration

$45.00
Lunch Ticket

Includes One Lunch Ticket

Offline Registration

Download Registration Form
Pay Offline

Free Registration

Does not
include lunch

Previous 2024 Sponsers

Greater Summit Business Conference

The Ultimate Matchmaker consists of Nonprofit, Small Businesses, and Corporate Partners looking to provide contract opportunities to Businesses across Ohio. Building upon the success of earlier matchmakers where millions of dollars in contract opportunities have been successfully awarded.

Contact

(216) 391-7735

135 S Broadway St, Akron, OH 44308

Navigation

© Black Pages Ohio. All Rights Reserved.