Published
October 14, 2019
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce helps businesses thrive by providing the tools and resources they need to start, run, and grow.
Exhibit A: Our national CO— Summit for Small and Growing Businesses in Washington, D.C.
Designed with the American entrepreneur in mind, CO— is a digital platform that puts small- and growth-oriented business owners in touch with the unparalleled assets and subject matter expertise of the Chamber. While CO— is primarily a virtual resource, the virtual becomes reality at our annual CO— Summit, one of the largest gatherings of small business professionals in the nation.
On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, the Chamber will open its doors to hundreds of forward-leaning business owners from around the country for a special opportunity to meet face-to-face with leading industry authorities – and with each other – to discuss best practices for building and sustaining their enterprises. The summit is a must-attend event for small business leaders looking to find mentors and build their national network. It provides them with the tips and tools they need to grow their businesses, including workshops led by seasoned entrepreneurs on subjects important to growth-focused firms – from building an inclusive company culture to cultivating a strong social media presence.
Many of today’s most successful executives began as small business owners struggling to make every penny count. Take Daymond John, star of ABC’s Shark Tank and founder and CEO of FUBU. Between shifts waiting tables at the local Red Lobster, Daymond launched a small streetwear business, teaching himself how to sew wool caps and other apparel. What began as a tiny operation in his mother’s basement quickly grew into a global fashion empire worth more than $6 billion.
Having been there himself, Daymond understands the unique challenges of scaling a small company – whether by pitching investors, hiring new employees, or simply leasing good office space. That’s why the Chamber is proud to welcome him and other proven entrepreneurs to share their insights and expertise with attendees at our CO— Summit. The Chamber continues to partner with state and local chambers of commerce to convene thousands of small business owners and equip them with training, resources, and networking, all designed for growth. We listen to entrepreneurs at every stage of development, and we are eager to bring the best of what we’ve learned to the stage at this week’s CO—Summit.
Whether through CO— or through our broader advocacy efforts, we will continue to stand for the millions of small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. Learn more at GrowWithCo.com.
About the authors
Thomas J. Donohue
Thomas J. Donohue is advisor and former chief executive officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
