Events & MBC Conference and Expo
The Minority Business Council periodically hosts various events throughout the year including their annual conference and expo.
The Minority Business Council periodically hosts various events throughout the year including their annual conference and expo.
These events are designed to provide information and opportunities to the business community. Please see our list of upcoming events listed below.
2026 Spring Small Business Roundtable
Date: April 9, 2026, 1-5 p.m., The HIVE Virginia Beach
“Working Smarter, Not Harder: Scaling Your Business in the Digital World”
Running a small business today means wearing a lot of hats—but you don’t have to do it all the hard way. Join us for an interactive event designed to help small business owners understand how AI and digital tools can streamline operations, save time, and support sustainable growth. This event will break down what AI really means for your business, highlight accessible tools you can start using right away, and show you how to maximize the resources already available to you. Whether you’re just getting started with digital tools or looking to scale more efficiently, this event will focus on practical strategies that work in today’s fast-moving business environment.
2026 Spring Small Business Roundtable
Agenda
1 p.m. Registration and Networking
1:30 p.m. Opening Remarks
1:45 p.m. Industry Insights: Leveraging AI for Business Operations
Erin Marie, Director of Operations, AI Collective Hampton Roads
Innovative software solutions enable companies to address unique challenges and improve operations. By leveraging the latest technology, businesses can increase agility and responsiveness to changing market conditions. This approach allows for increased flexibility and scalability.
2:30 p.m. Break
2:40 p.m. Cyber Smart: Protecting Your Business in a Digital World
Len Gonzales, Owner, Ally Cyber Investigations, LLC
In today’s digital landscape, small businesses are increasingly at risk for cyber threats—but protecting your business doesn’t have to be complicated. This session will break down the most common risks facing small businesses and provide practical, easy-to-implement strategies to safeguard your data, customers, and operations. Learn how to spot vulnerabilities, strengthen your defenses, and stay one step ahead in an ever-evolving digital world.
3:10 p.m. Build Once, Scale Everywhere: Digital Branding & Tools
Karlaa V. Gregory, PCM, CDMP, Digital Marketing Manager
Stop creating content from scratch and start building a brand that works for you. This session will show you how to create a clear, consistent brand message, and use simple systems to turn one piece of content into multiple opportunities across platforms. Walk away with practical tools and strategies to save time, stay consistent, and scale your business with confidence.
3:50 p.m. Closing Remarks
4-5 p.m. Connect with exhibitors and network with attendees
2025 Fall Conference and Expo
On Nov. 6, 2025, the Virginia Beach MBC hosted the 2025 MBC Fall Conference and Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
The VB MBC is thrilled to welcome Anthony Williams, managing Partner for the Black Diamond Group, as the Keynote Speaker, an Access to Capital and construction panel discussion, as well as an Exhibit Hall showcasing businesses and organizations dedicated to supporting small business growth and success.
Anthony Williams is a dynamic and thought-provoking leader, widely recognized for his deep insight into generational wealth—exploring its historical roots, economic principles, and social impact. Through powerful storytelling and real-world examples, he inspires audiences to take actionable steps toward financial empowerment through investment, entrepreneurship, and education. Before founding The Black Diamond Group, Anthony served as President/CEO of a regional National Minority Supplier Development Council, driving minority business growth and fostering corporate partnerships across Missouri and Kansas.
Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or community partner, this is a great opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build success — one block at a time.
Left to right- Alberto “Alex” Zegarra Alva, associate, Eric Camacho, associate, Ryan Turner, associate, Cory McCoy, associate, Aekta Javia, member, Olga Torres Baker, member, Mayor Robert Dyer, Cynthia Terry, member, Tara Jones, member, Ebony Malone, associate, Cavelle Mollineaux, member, April Woodard, Honorable Dr. Amelia Ross-Hamond, Krisha Loftus, member, Grace Peart, member.
Silver Sponsors
Kevcor Contracting Corporation