Newark celebrates Small Business Week with 9th annual Next Level Conference

During Small Business Week 2017, the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership and the Newark Community Development Corp. awarded $11,500 in capital to small business owners and entrepreneurs at its 9th annual Next Level Conference.The conference was held May 1 to 2 at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott.

The winners of this year’s capital are as follows:

• $10,000 Business Plan and Pitch Competition to Natasha Green of WeIntervene, an app that helps school staff support students and families, and intercept those who have fallen into the school-to-prison pipeline;
• $500 Business Pitch Bowl to Tara Williams-Harrington of Bricks 4 Kidz Essex County for entrepreneurs seeking expert feedback on their pitches;
• $1,000 grand prize to Lori Schlakman of Tabooze, a zero-calorie, no shake, no stir cocktail mixer in a fizzy tablet form.

“The Next Level Conference not only benefits entrepreneurs, business owners and business professionals who attend, but also galvanizes Newark’s economic success,” said Aisha Glover, acting president and CEO of Newark Community Economic Development Corp. “Newark is a hub for entrepreneurial activity and is the perfect city for growing businesses to expand. The resources and knowledge shared at Next Level are the perfect backdrop for businesses and entrepreneurs of all stages looking to grow and create job opportunities in Newark and beyond.”

This year’s theme was Survive and Thrive, “Rise Up, Ramp Up. Reach New Heights!”

Attendees of the event enjoyed panels, coaching and keynote addresses from top business leaders, including Melinda Emerson, The Small Biz Lady; Twyla Garrett, president of Investment Management Services; Darryl Bumpass Sr., best-selling author and motivational speaker; Dawn Brolin, CEO of Powerful Accounting; Muoyo Okoye, founder of Daily Spark; Jeff Naeem, founder of Junk-A-Haulics; Ethan Chazin, president and founder of The Chazin Group; and Ramon Ray, founder and editor of Smart Hustle Magazine.