The Dell Small Business team will hit the road next week, traveling to Miami on June 4th and Atlanta on June 5th, kicking off a nine city US tour to host small business “Think Tanks.” What’s a Think Tank? It’s a dialogue with 30-45 local entrepreneurs and small business thought leaders on a number of topics surrounding a day in the life of running and growing a business.
Entrepreneurship, small business and job creation have rightfully dominated the national conversation in recent years. The attention means small businesses are getting the respect they deserve. But we also need to make sure they get the support they need and that local priorities aren’t overshadowed by national headlines.
Rhonda Abrams, a noted small business expert and national USA Today columnist, will moderate the discussions, focusing on what matters most to the growth and success of Greater Miami and Atlanta based small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Participants will set the agenda, and breakout topics may include access to capital, finding the right talent, extending reach, investing strategically in technology, the regulatory environment and others. Dell will reveal local research findings to support the conversation and help uncover what these local small businesses and entrepreneurs need to grow, succeed and get the most out of the organizations that serve them.
In Miami, we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Corporate Executive Board and have a star line-up of breakout discussion leaders including:
- Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald
- Barry E. Johnson, President and CEO, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
- Bill Green, Senior Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education, University of Miami and Co-Founder, LaunchPad
- Brian Moran, Wall Street Journal
- Rufino Chiong, Corporate Executive Board
In Atlanta, in partnership with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, we’ll be joined by local business luminaries including:
- Richard Warner, CEO, What’s Up Interactive
- Tino J. Mantella, President & Chief Executive Officer, Technology Association of Georgia
- Alan Butler of “Butler on Business”
- Peter Baron, Atlanta CEO Council
As Dell’s Entrepreneur in Residence, I’ll be on the ground as the online correspondent, engaging in the discussion and leading an online participation via live stream and Twitter #smallbizATL and #smallbizMiami respectively. You can also follow me at @OntheroadwithIV. If you’re a Miami or Atlanta based entrepreneur or serve businesses in that area, please join us!