Blog Layout

Fontana Business Summit was an Overwhelming Success!

Kim Anthony • September 21, 2024

(Fontana, Calif. - September 20, 2024) - Did you miss Fontana's Business Summit, don't worry - we've got a recap of all the valuable insights at the event! Held at Spaggi’s Event Center, the summit brought together business owners, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to explore strategies for scaling businesses, building creditworthiness, securing government contracts, and expanding into brick-and-mortar locations.

Mayor Acquanetta Warren opened the event with a warm welcome, sharing her excitement for Fontana’s business community. She reminded us of the city’s commitment to supporting growth, saying, "Fontana is more than a city – it’s a community where businesses come to thrive."

San Bernardino County Supervisor Jesse Armendarez echoed this sentiment, stating, "If you are an entrepreneur and are willing to invest in your business, Fontana is the place to be."

The summit featured industry experts like Dennis Yu, a pioneer in social media marketing and co-author of "The Definitive Guide to TikTok Advertising: How to Access 1 Billion People in 10 Minutes!", who shared actionable strategies for leveraging social media to grow networks and build meaningful community relationships. Catherine Smith Licari, Founder and CEO of Cashflow for Creatives, introduced her product, The Small Business Planner, a tool designed to help businesses build a solid financial foundation. She emphasized the value of brick-and-mortar stores, saying, "Opening a storefront creates an experience for your community."

Business Summit attendees had the opportunity to meet other business owners, receive on site assistance to apply for the 
Fontana Empowerment Loan Fund and enjoyed lunch from local Fontana restaurant, La Tapatia.

Business Summit attendee and business owner Taylor Gonzalez stated "I've never been to a business development event that was worth my time than the Fontana Business Summit. Speaker after speaker, panel after panel, everyone delivered invaluable information and offered solutions to real world problems we as business owners are facing. I left feeling empowered, inspired and motivated to implement the tools I learned from the summit, and I look forward to the next one!" 

  • Sands of Time

    Stark beauty of desolate dunes
    Button
  • Several valuable resources were highlighted, offering grants, one-on-one consultations, webinars, and more. These organizations are available to help you take your business to the next level:

    Paul Nolta, Executive Director of the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, left attendees with one key takeaway: "You can only be as powerful as your network."

    If you weren’t able to join us, we hope you can still utilize these resources. Stay tuned for more upcoming events, where you can connect with industry experts and gain insights to elevate your business.

    Fontana is committed to your success, and we look forward to seeing your business grow!


    Business Resources

    Share This Article

    By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media February 18, 2025
    (SACRAMENTO) In celebration of Black History Month, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) recognized 16 honorees at the annual Black Business Brunch on Feb. 10 at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento. The small business owners from every corner of the state were recognized for their entrepreneurship, contributions to their respective communities, and vital roles in improving California's economic landscape. The proprietors were chosen by members of the CLBC and CBCC. They were honored on the Assembly floor at the State Capitol later that afternoon. “We gather here today to honor the incredible African American, small business owners of California,” Jay King, President and CEO of CBCC, told California Black Media. “We have to show them some love because they are the heart and soul of our communities. Their tireless work and unwavering dedication show what it means to be leaders” 
    By UBJ Staff February 14, 2025
    In the heart of Long Beach, a new initiative is bringing nonprofit leaders, community champions, and changemakers together—one cup of coffee at a time. Denise Peoples and 21st Century STEM are launching a special series of Coffee Meetups, beginning Tuesday, March 4th , at 10:30 AM at Café Lorel , in Long Beach, California. These gatherings aim to foster collaboration, resource-sharing, and innovative problem-solving among nonprofit organizations. Recognizing the challenges that small nonprofits often face—such as limited funding, staffing, and visibility—this initiative provides a space where leaders can exchange ideas, form strategic partnerships, and find collective solutions to common obstacles .
    By Kim Anthony February 10, 2025
    LOS ANGELES — In the wake of one of the most devastating natural disasters in California history, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts led by the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the State of California. The Governor has enlisted Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President to lead and recruit others to this private sector and philanthropic effort. To seed this new effort, Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation have provided an initial commitment of up to $100 million. With plans to raise additional funds through private donations, LA Rises will provide major resources aimed at helping Los Angeles communities most affected by these catastrophic fires recover and rebuild. LA Rises will marshal the full resources of the private sector, augmenting and amplifying local and state resources, to rebuild Altadena, Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades, and all impacted communities. As part of the unified effort, city and county leaders are crafting recovery plans for their communities. The state is mobilizing its resources and scale, coordinating with the federal government, and removing red tape. LA Rises will galvanize the private sector to unlock additional capital and find new and innovative tools to help communities build back faster and stronger. “Los Angeles will rise again — stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever. Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild. With Mark, Earvin and Casey’s proven leadership and deep commitment to Los Angeles, we’ll tap into the enormous creativity, experience, and resources of the private sector, alongside local, state, and federal efforts, to deliver a recovery that benefits all Angelenos," said Newsom “The LA fires have wreaked havoc on LA’s neighborhoods. It’s time for those with means to come forward and make a positive impact to build back better,” Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter “This is a time for bold action. We’re bringing together the best resources and biggest hearts across California to ensure that every Angeleno — no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood — has a chance to rebuild and thrive. This isn’t just about recovery; it’s about restoring communities while also making them more resilient and better than before,” Earvin “Magic” Johnson “I’ve been a lifelong Angeleno, and what I admire most about this city is its resilience and unity. There’s nothing Los Angeles can’t achieve. LA Rises will channel the unmatched creativity, resources, and generosity of the private sector to rebuild our city and pave the way for a stronger future," said LA 28 President Casey Wasserman “Given the scale and scope of damage and destruction the Eaton wildfire has left in its wake, I wholeheartedly welcome all the support from the state as well as the private sector as part of this initiative. By corralling and coordinating the work of philanthropy and private industry, this can complement our local recovery and rebuilding efforts, especially for our marginalized populations in Altadena who have lost everything. When it comes to supporting initiatives — like this one — that look to arm us with the resources to rebuild with a bottom-up approach, I’m all in,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger “Efforts to rebuild are underway in the City of Los Angeles and this announcement will be a vital component of a comprehensive effort to bring Angelenos home. The number one question on the minds of Angelenos is about recovery and rebuilding. I am grateful that the Governor and the LA Rises initiative will be there to partner with us, developing solutions to support our work. In recent days, the strength and resilience of Los Angeles have been felt throughout the state, the nation and the world. I want to thank the Governor for his continued partnership and his collaboration during this difficult time for our city," said Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass How LA Rises will work LA Rises will contribute through collaboration, access to capital and financial tools, leveraging innovation and private-sector investment to drive a faster recovery. It will support the broader recovery efforts by: Fundraising and expanding access to philanthropic and private capital. Formulating financing strategies to close the gap between available resources and the cost to rebuild Collaborating with other philanthropic and community organizations to maximize the impact of ongoing rebuilding and recovery efforts. Supporting unified communication efforts to arm Angelenos with up-to-date, factual information, timelines for rebuilding, and available resources. In addition to the financial commitment from the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, LA Rises will receive financial support from California Rises, a statewide recovery initiative founded by Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom after the 2018 Camp Fire. A partnership between the Governor’s Office and the California Fire Foundation, California Rises is dedicated to supporting communities impacted by the fires and firefighters and first responders who continue to serve on the frontlines.
    Show More
    Share by: