| Co-Alliance of Business Associations, Fifth Third Bank, Jefferson County Public Schools, LG&E

Networking opportunity: Sixth Annual COBA Small Business Summit Tue., Oct. 23

by Staff

This may be the largest small-business gathering in the city, so to speak, and one of the most efficient ways to lay the foundation for your business expansion.

The Co-Alliance of Business Associations will hold its Sixth Annual Co-Alliance Small Business Summit Tues,, Oct. 23 at The Olmstead.

The summit puts small-business owners in the room with execs from larger companies and large government agencies, entities that could become major clients.

About 100 business owners show up every year at the summit for a chance to meet purchasing agents, consult with certification agencies, meet with service agencies and providers and talk about various financing options including city facade loans, micro loans and SBA programs, according to a news release.

The release never quite says it, but we’ll say it: These sorts of events are designed to help large companies and government entities to work with more small-biz and minority-owned businesses, and to build vendor lists.

Representatives from major businesses and agencies scheduled to attend include LG&E, Fifth Third Bank, the Louisville Water Co., Metropolitan Sewer District, Jefferson County Public Schools and Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government officials.

Founded in1994, the non-profit COBA represents about 5,000 businesses in Metro Louisville through 29 business associations and chambers of commerce.

There will be two sessions: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The fee, and there is a fee, is $25 per person, or $45 for two people.

To register for the event, visit the COBA website here.

For more information or to schedule an interview, call 502-296-7634,

The Olmstead is at 3701 Frankfort Ave. on the former Masonic Home property in Crescent Hill, on the edge of St. Matthews.

About COBA: The Co-Alliance of Business Associations works with local business association and government agencies to provide solutions for their members and constituents. By working with these groups, services and events can be done more efficiently. COBA is fully staffed through the dedication of volunteer professionals.