Chesapeake event urges business owners to 'think big'

It doesn't take a huge corporation to dream in 3-D. That's the philosophy behind "Small Businesses Thinking Big," a conference from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Chesapeake Conference Center.

The event will include a procurement fair, an awards luncheon and an "elevator pitch" contest in which the winner receives $500 for presenting a technology idea and business plan in five minutes.

Workshops will cover funding for small businesses, writing a business plan, turnkey opportunities and other topics.

Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the FDIC, the conference is also offering "Money Smart for Small Business," a training program for lenders, nonprofits and other organizations that provide funding to small businesses.

Entrepreneurs, politicians and other community leaders will participate in a forum to discuss the business climate in Virginia.

Tickets are $29, plus a registration fee of $2.59. For more information, visit http://thinkbighr.eventbrite.com, email thinkbighamptonroads@gmail.com or call 757-575-1863.