Events

Small Business Tech Summit Nov 5, 2025

Small Business Tech Summit

Small Business Tech Summit

November 5, 2025 • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Akron Urban League (Odom Hall) • 440 Vernon Odom Blvd, Akron, OH 44307

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About the Summit

Join the Akron Urban League’s Entrepreneur Empowerment Center and Minority Business Assistance Center for the Small Business Tech Summit — a full day of expert-led workshops designed to help small businesses embrace smart technology for growth.

Summit Schedule

Felicia Johnson

Opening Session: Tech-Ready Mindset — Where to Start and Why It Matters

Speaker: Felicia Johnson, Global Executive Sales Director, Ohio Valley – Slalom

Time: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

Before diving into the day’s breakout sessions, this opening conversation will ground us in the “why” behind technology adoption for small businesses. Whether you’re tech-savvy or tech-wary, digital tools are reshaping how we operate, serve our customers, and grow exponentially. Learn how to evaluate your systems, identify bottlenecks, and adopt AI technology that fits your needs.

Terry Clark

Unified Communications: Connecting Your Business from Anywhere

Speaker: Terry Clark, Owner & President, Clarktel Communications, Inc.

Time: 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

In today’s hybrid world, staying connected has never been more important. Explore unified communication systems that combine email, messaging, video, and collaboration tools into one seamless platform. Learn how to simplify your tech stack, improve productivity, and maintain professionalism from anywhere.

Edward Jacak

CRM Tools: Simple Systems to Track Customers and Grow Sales

Speaker: Edward Jacak, Founder & Principal AI Consultant, Sixth City AI

Time: 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Customer relationships are vital to success. Learn how CRM tools can help track leads, follow-ups, and client details without the overwhelm. Discover how free tools like HubSpot CRM can help organize your pipeline and enhance customer communication.

Marvin Montgomery

Customer Service & AI Technology: Striking the Right Balance

Speaker: Marvin Montgomery, The Sales Doctor

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM

AI is transforming customer service—but how do you use it without losing your human touch? Explore practical AI applications like chatbots and virtual assistants that help enhance response times and build trust, while keeping your service authentic.

Edward Jacak

Getting Started with AI: Becoming AI-Assisted

Speaker: Edward Jacak, Founder & Principal AI Consultant, Sixth City AI

Time: 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM

AI is reshaping every industry. In this session, learn how to become “AI-assisted” with practical use-cases, essential chatbots, and prompt-writing techniques. Perfect for small businesses looking to integrate AI responsibly and effectively.

Lucia Arteaga

From DIY to Done Right: Website Options that Fit Your Budget

Speaker: Lucia Arteaga, Founder, Market Me 24/7

Time: 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM

Your website is your digital storefront. Lucia breaks down the pros and cons of popular builders like Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, and WordPress, helping you choose the best fit for your business goals and budget.

Cassie Wilkof

Paid in Full: Simple, Stress-Free Payment Solutions

Speaker: Cassie Wilkof, Payment Solutions Manager, U.S. Bank

Time: 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

Getting paid should be simple. Learn how to streamline payments, invoices, and bank connections for smoother cash flow and easier bookkeeping—online and in-person.

George Vinson

Google Workspace: Getting Started

Speaker: George Vinson, Digital Navigator, Akron Urban League

Time: 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

Learn the basics of Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, and Meet. Discover how Google Workspace helps small businesses collaborate efficiently and stay organized from anywhere—no tech background required.

Marvin Montgomery

Closing Session: Tech in Action — Your Next Move

Moderator: Marvin Montgomery, The Sales Doctor

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM

We’ve explored tools and strategies—now it’s time to turn insight into impact. This closing conversation brings the day full circle, showing how small businesses are using technology to drive growth and what your next step could be.

Location

Akron Urban League (Odom Hall)
440 Vernon Odom Blvd
Akron, OH 44307

© 2025 Akron Urban League • Entrepreneur Empowerment Center • Minority Business Assistance Center