Leventhal Headlines the Small Business University Networking Breakfast (PHOTOS)

Approximately 50 local small business owners attended the Small Business University’s networking breakfast on Dec. 18 at Montgomery Community Media’s television station.

Montgomery County Council President George Leventhal was the keynote speaker. During his address, Leventhal talked about the importance of entrepreneurs and small business in the county.

“We need to continue to foster and promote and support small business,” Leventhal said.

According to the County Council President, 96 percent of private sector businesses in Montgomery County employ 50 employees or less. Furthermore, he said, if a person spends $100 dollars at  a small business $45 dollars stay in Montgomery County whereas if a person spends $100 at a national chain only about $15 dollars stay in the county.

Carmen Rojas, development director at the Hispanic Business Foundation, said she wanted to meet people and bring awareness to the foundation’s social programs.

“We work with students and we provide internships … especially with the small business community,” Rojas said.

During the event, Leventhal also answered questions from the audience that ranged from parking, high price tolls to drive the ICC, to legislative priorities to help small businesses.

“Today’s event was fantastic because what it told me that Montgomery County cares about small businesses. I am so excited that my business is housed in Montgomery County … There’s a lot of initiative going on to make sure we can get contracts with the bigger organizations and with Montgomery County itself,” said Kim Foley, owner at Brand In Focus.

Montgomery County Small Business Series offers opportunities for businesses to network and learn from other people. Regional business leaders’ presentations, Q&A, seminars and networking are designed to support and enhance the success of Montgomery County’s local entrepreneurs. To find out more, click here.

Small Business University network here @mymcmedia studios. County Council Pres. @georgeleventhal is today’s speaker. pic.twitter.com/MrbjCAKwRx

— Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) December 18, 2014

“Economic development really is all about you,”said Tony Spearman-Leach, MCM Director of Development & Communications pic.twitter.com/eQsKGTWJzP — Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) December 18, 2014

“We want to strength, and support, and promote a health business environment,” said CCouncil Pres. @georgeleventhal. pic.twitter.com/79N5dCPY2b

— Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) December 18, 2014

Leventhal said the county council wants to improve the process that they award contracts to small biz. “You will not win, if you do not bid” — Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) December 18, 2014

About Aline Barros

Aline Barros is a multimedia reporter and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at Abarros@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter at @AlineBarros2.

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