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2025 TAAACC Annual Conference |
Attention Black entrepreneurs, aspiring leaders, and community advocates!
Join us in Austin,TX as we Build Beyond Barriers at the 2025 Annual Conference hosted by TAAACC.
Connect with a powerful network, gain invaluable insights from experts, and acquire actionable strategies for business growth. Learn innovative approaches, secure funding, and build financial resilience.
This is your opportunity to amplify our collective strength and create lasting economic power. Register today and take your place at the forefront of Black entrepreneurial advancement! |
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Hilton Austin Airport
9515 Hotel Dr, Austin, TX 78719
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Wednesday, September 10, 2025 04:00pm - Friday, September 12, 2025 05:00pm |
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Wednesday, September 10, 2025
5:00 PM Chair's Reception & Networker Hilton Austin Airport |
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Thursday, September 11, 2025 8:00 AM Registration & Breakfast
8:30 AM Opening Session (Main Stage) Opening address Chair, Rev. Carol Guess, Esq. and President, Charles O'Neal
9:00 AM State of Black Business/Economic Forecast Economist William Michael. Cunningham gives his overview of the past year's economic occurrences and lends his insight to what we can expect in the year to come. William M. Cunningham, Creative Investment Research
10:00 AM Legislative Update This main stage panel, led by TXLBC Chairman Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, will allow members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus to discuss some of the hot button bills from this past 89th Legislative Session including the Anti DEI bill passed. This interactive workshop gives our registrants an opportunity to ask questions and our call to action for the 89th Legislative Session. Charles O'Neal, Rep. Yvonne Davis, Rep. Ron Reynolds,
11:30 AM OTSL Leadership Luncheon w/ Albert Black
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM TAAACC HUB Vendor Exhibits |
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AFTERNOON ACTIVATION SESSIONS |
BUSINESS/CHAMBER GROWTH ACTIVATION |
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12:45 PM Verizon Small Business Digital Ready |
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| Small businesses are the backbones of our communities. Through programs like Small Business Digital Ready, Verizon is committed to providing them with the tools, resources and funding they need to dream big. Angela Walton, LISC/Verizon
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| 1:30 PM AI as the Great Equalizer: Equipping Black Chambers to Champion Innovation and Opportunity for the Communities They Serve |
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| What if your chamber could unlock new opportunities for every Black-owned business you serve… without adding more to your plate? In this breakout, discover how AI can be the great equalizer for chambers ready to build beyond barriers. Through live, hands-on demonstrations with ChatGPT and other practical tools, you’ll see how AI can simplify programming, strengthen grant writing, and fuel big-picture strategy as your chamber’s thought partner. Walk away with actionable ideas you can use immediately to champion innovation and opportunity for your business community. Teri R. Moten, MBA, Your Business Problem Solver
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2:15 PM Chamber Growth Strategies |
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| Equipping local chamber staff and volunteers with modern strategies to increase member engagement and retention. Philip Dunn, Chamber & Business Engagement Manager, USBlack Chambers, Inc.
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ACCESS TO CAPITAL ACTIVATION |
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3:00 PM Future-Proof Your Finances: The Blueprint for Lasting Financial Resilience |
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| Are you prepared for the next economic shift? This session goes beyond basic budgeting to give you a strategic blueprint for long-term financial security. Learn how to build a robust financial foundation that can withstand market volatility and unexpected challenges. We'll cover practical strategies for proactive financial planning, mastering risk management, and diversifying revenue streams to ensure your business not only survives, but thrives for years to come. You'll leave with a clear, actionable plan to fortify your finances and secure a more stable future. Shawnsay Hightower, Freedom Ventures Group, Derric Hicks, Texas Mezzanine Fund, Yolanda (Yoly) Davila, PNC Bank
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3:45 PM Franchising 101: Building Your Future with the Right Brand & Resources |
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| Thinking about franchising but not sure where to start? This session will break down the fundamentals of franchising – what it is, how it works, and what makes it a compelling path for entrepreneurs. Learn how to evaluate and select the right franchise brand for your goals, and discover the wealth of resources available through the International Franchise Association (IFA), including programs and initiatives designed to support you at every stage of your franchising journey. Whether you're just curious or ready to dive in, this session will give you the tools and knowledge to move forward confidently. David Smith, International Franchise Association
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Thursday (cont'd) 4:30 PM - Closing Remarks Rev. Carol Guess, Esq., TAAACC Chair
6:00 PM - Reception Hilton Austin Airport
7:00 PM - TAAACC Annual Awards Dinner (Main Stage)
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Friday, September 12, 2025 |
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| 8:30 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM Opening Session (Main Stage)
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM TAAACC HUB Vendor Exhibits
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MORNING ACTIVATION SESSIONS |
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ACCESS TO CAPITAL ACTIVATION |
9:00 AM - The Power of We: Scaling Your Impact Through Strategic Partnerships |
| Are you prepared for the next economic shift? This session goes beyond basic budgeting to give you a strategic blueprint for long-term financial security. Learn how to build a robust financial foundation that can withstand market volatility and unexpected challenges. We'll cover practical strategies for proactive financial planning, mastering risk management, and diversifying revenue streams to ensure your business not only survives, but thrives for years to come. You'll leave with a clear, actionable plan to fortify your finances and secure a more stable future. Antwayne Ford, President & CEO Enlightened, Inc./ Vice Chair USBC |
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10:00 AM - Unlock the Secrets of AI-Powered Grant Writing |
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| This dynamic workshop will demystify artificial intelligence and show you how to leverage its power to transform your business. Learn practical, actionable strategies for integrating AI into your operations to boost efficiency, drive innovation, and unlock new growth opportunities. The session will include a specific focus on how to use AI to streamline and enhance fundraising efforts. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, you'll leave with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the AI landscape and empower your business for the future Ronnie Russell, President Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce |
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11:00 AM - Maximizing Your Business Potential: A Texas HUB Forum |
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| This dedicated session is an invaluable opportunity for attendees to connect directly with representatives from various Texas Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). We will open the floor for HUBs to share their insights, discuss their services, and highlight partnership opportunities. Gain a deeper understanding of the Texas HUB program, learn about the certification process, and discover how leveraging these partnerships can open doors and help your business grow. Hopeton Hay, UT Systems, Patti Robbins, Department of Information Resources, Mariah Thompson-Carter, Comptroller of Public Accounts |
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| 12:00 PM Luncheon - Building Beyond Barriers: A Call to Action More than a conference, this has been an intentional gathering to forge new connections, build stronger communities, and empower one another. In this final, powerful session, we will move beyond business as usual and collectively embrace the mindset of "Building Beyond Barriers." We’ll reflect on the actionable insights gained over the past two days and reinforce our shared commitment to creating synergy and strength. This is not just a conclusion—it's a call to action to take what we've learned back to our businesses and communities and continue to build a future without limits.
2:00 PM Closing Remarks
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| Our host hotel for all conference sessions will be the Hilton Austin Airport property. Located in the right at the Austin Airport and only 7 miles from City Center! The hotel has offered an unbelievable rate of $159/plus tax per night for single King bed rooms or $165 for 2 Queen bed room!
Group rate is available beginning Tuesday, September 9th - Saturday, September 13th. Last day to book this rate will be SEPTEMBER 1, 2025! |
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If you are interested in learning more about TAAACC and how your partnership can help impact Black businesses in Texas, click the Sponsorship Opportunities link below. |
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EXHIBITOR/VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES |
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| Are you interested in showcasing your business/organization at our 2025 Annual TAAACC Conference! Click the link below and complete the application for booth space. You must receive approval in order to secure and confirm your business/organizations slot.
Exhibitor rate for the conference is $500. Once approved, you will be emailed a direct link to submit payment for your organization's slot.
We look forward to working with you! |
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