Networking, education and inspiration at Oakton Small Business Expo

More than 70 local business people and vendors attended the Oakton Community College Workforce Solutions 1st Annual Small Business Expo on Tuesday, March 14, at the college’s Skokie campus, 7701 N. Lincoln Avenue.

“We developed ‘Gaining the Edge’ Small Business Expo in order to help local businesses connect with Oakton Community College’s Workforce Solutions, the Small Business Administration, local chambers of commerce and vendors,” said Director of Continuing Education, Training and Workforce Development Ruben Howard II, Ph.D. “It was existing to see how many people came out despite the snowy weather. It shows there’s a real need for this kind of event in our community.”

Best-selling author Kevin Sheridan delivered the keynote for the expo, which was free for local start-ups and established businesses. Congressman Brad Schneider made an appearance to welcome the guests and express his support for small business.

The day’s program also included workshops from industry experts regarding marketing, operations and home-based businesses as well as an opportunity for business people to network with vendors of business services and representatives of the Small Business Administration.

Evanston tax accountant Richard Morris said, “I attended to network with other small businesses but also to keep my own business knowledge up to date. I have taken numerous classes at Oakton over the years. Whether it’s for my work, like payroll and accounting, or for fun, like French class, I appreciate having this great, inexpensive resource near home.”

Oakton is planning future business networking and education events in the months ahead at its Skokie campus, including Digital Marketing (May 16), Attracting and Retaining Top Talent (May 23) and Financing Your Business (May 30).

For more information, contact Beverly Projansky at bprojans@oakton.edu) or 847-635-1447.