SoBRO: South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation

Dear Friend of the SBA and SoBRO:

The Bronx has made a strong rebound from the financial crisis. Despite having the highest unemployment rate among the five boroughs, the Bronx was the only county in New York City to experience an increase in employment in 2009, growing 1.1 percent--the fourth highest nationwide. This economic growth is thanks in large part to the vibrant small business community that employs such a large portion of the Bronx workforce.

Capitalizing on that economic indicator, SoBRO and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) we invite you to SoBRO’s 13th annual Bronx Business Opportunities Expo, the county’s premier business-to-business trade show. The Expo will be held on September 24 in the Hostos Community College Gymnasium (450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY). It offers business owners, procurement specialists, business development managers, and government agency representatives an opportunity to explore partnerships and exchange ideas with providers of financial, technical, manufacturing, information technology, security and other trade-related services and supplies.

Among diverse topics covering commerce and trade to be addressed, this year’s Expo will highlight businesses owned by women, a sector responsible for directly and indirectly employing over 23 million people in the United States. As business assistance providers, SoBRO has a significant stake in creating an environment in which small businesses—including those owned and run by women—can thrive. The Expo will create an interactive venue for businesses to meet government agencies and other providers, learn about available programs and incentives, and showcase their products and services.

Guests will also have the opportunity to attend four different workshops on Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Certification, Bronx real estate, entrepreneurial development, and empowerment for women business owners.

We invite you to join us in our commitment to the continuing economic development of the Bronx and the surrounding business community, through your support of and attendance in this year’s Expo. Contact us today to learn about the various levels of support—from Premier Supporter to Journal Advertiser—that will help us to host a successful 13th edition of the special event.

Please contact Rogina Coar-Smith, SoBRO’s Government Contract Specialist and the 2010 Bronx Business Expo Team Leader, directly at (718) 732-7564 or via email at rcoarsmith@sobro.org if you require additional information. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to your participation.