Going global is no longer just for large and established enterprises with tons of cash, but for companies of all sizes — from startups and micro independents, to tiny e-commerce firms and small businesses. The future belongs to the agile, lean and more responsive firms as well as to those who are positioning for global success.

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FACT: Exporting holds a significant growth opportunity for small businesses that has yet to be fully tapped. While 92% of U.S. SMEs who do business globally see international markets as a significant growth opportunity, only 7% of middle market companies and less than 1% of small businesses in the U.S. export. – Source: American Express 2017 Survey

THE GLOBAL SMALL BUSINESS FORUM 2018
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Speakers

Program

This conference runs from 7:30am - 11:30am.
We will provide a continental breakfast and coffee breaks throughout the program.
Day 1
19 Oct 2018

Panel discussion

Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, Co-founder, KOVAL Distillery

Christophe RIDET, Co-founder, WEAR MOI

John Walton, Founder and Managing Director, Jackpoint Jackstands LLC

Alison Larson, founder, Worldblazer Consulting LLC.

Moderated by: Chantal Wittman Meier, Vice President, International Trade Banking MB Financial Bank

Wrap up by: Deanna Kunze, Associate, Nixon Peabody.

Going global is no longer just for large and established enterprises with tons of cash, but for companies of all sizes – from startups and micro independents, to tiny e-commerce firms and small businesses. The future belongs to the agile, lean and more responsive firms as well as to those who look to the world for business.

Four small business CEOs will share their experience on global business growth, success stories, challenges and lessons learned.  They will also address how their companies are reaching consumers on a global scale.
Christophe Ridet
Christophe Ridet
John Walton
John Walton
Sonat Birnecker Hart
Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart 
Allison Larson
Alison Larson
Deanna Kunze
Deanna Kunze
Chantal Wittman Meier
Chantal Wittman Meier

Tickets

VENUE

The Gleacher Center, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
450 CityFront Plaza
Chicago, IL 60611

Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Gold Sponsor

MB Financial Bank, N.A. is a commercial bank with approximately $20 billion in assets and a more than one hundred year history of building deep and lasting relationships with middle market companies and individuals. MB Financial Bank offers a full range of powerful financial solutions and the expertise and experience of bankers who are focused on their clients’ success. For more information, call 847-653-1515, email [email protected] or visit: mbfinancial.com
  • MB Financial Bank

Bronze Sponsor

At Nixon Peabody, we see 21st century law as a tool to help shape our clients’ futures. We are constantly thinking about what is important to our clients now and next so we can foresee obstacles and opportunities in their space and smooth the way. We work together to handle complex challenges in intellectual property, litigation, real estate, corporate law and finance anywhere in the world. Our Chicago office provides clients a full range of services, including food and beverage, health care, private equity, government relations and labor and employment law. With more than 600 attorneys in 17 offices throughout the U.S. and abroad, Nixon Peabody’s strong global presence allows us to deliver seamless service to clients worldwide.
  • Nixon Peabody

Host Sponsor

The University of Chicago Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation brings the power of ideas in the laboratory, classroom and community to the world. Through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. The Polsky Center runs UChicago’s top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge, which has helped launch more than 200 companies worldwide that have gone on to achieve more than $9 billion in value and raised over $600 million in funding. The mission of the Polsky Center is to support students, faculty, alumni, and community members by bridging the gap between knowledge and practice, idea and action, and research and impact. By igniting a spirit of innovation and fostering connections that extend across the University, city, region and world, the Polsky Center enables more ideas to have a meaningful impact on society. Learn more at polsky.uchicago.edu.
  • The Gleacher Center, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business takes the role of Host Sponsor for 2018.

MAJOR PARTNERS

  • Women Entrepreneurs GROW Global
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Exim Bank
  • SBE Council
  • Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global
  • FACC
  • Global Chamber Chicago
  • SBE Council
  • IL Department of Commerce - Trade & Investment
  • Metro Chicago Exports logo
  • Globe Trade
  • World Entrepreneurship Forum
  • Small Business Trends logo
  • 1871
  • Global Chamber