Writer, professor, and management consultant Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Many entrepreneurs share this sentiment.
While many people who start businesses do so to gain independence, pursue their passions, and make a significant impact. Other business owners are driven by the challenge of building something new, the opportunity for financial growth, and the desire for a more flexible lifestyle.
Whatever your reason for starting a business, Dr. ZaLonya Allen and the National Entrepreneurs Association (NEA) are available to support you.
A critical resource on entrepreneurship, the NEA is a national leader in providing the tools entrepreneurs need to reach their goals. They achieve this by offering conferences and training programs that feature the country’s top speakers and trainers, providing entrepreneurs with the information and motivation they need to grow.
The 2025 National Entrepreneurs Association Conference took place on October 24 at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield. This year’s conference, themed “Collaboration,” highlighted how entrepreneurs, corporations, and community organizations can work together to share resources, expand networks, and spark innovation.
“Success in entrepreneurship doesn’t happen alone. The chances of building a thriving business increase dramatically when you collaborate with others who share common goals,” said Dr. Allen, President and CEO of the National Entrepreneurs Association. “NEA has been collaborating with individuals and organizations since its inception in 2018.”
The annual conference brought together business owners, leaders, and innovators for a full day of learning, networking, and inspiration.
NEA’s event featured eight dynamic breakout sessions on some of today’s most important business topics and presented hands-on training from industry experts in critical areas of business growth. Topics included marketing strategies for a competitive edge, leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline operations, securing funding, navigating tax challenges, building effective mentoring relationships, protecting businesses against cyber threats, and maintaining mental health as an entrepreneur.
Each session contributed to the all in effort to drive growth.
Dr. Geneva Williams led a panel discussion called “Collaboration Blueprint: Finding the Right Partners to Scale.” The panel featured successful business owners Tonia Williams, Founder of Universal Special Events Inc., Angela Moore, Founder of The Body Principle, and Business Consultant Dr. Joyce L. Suber.
The morning keynote speaker, Jon Jansen, a former University of Michigan football player and current media personality, set the tone with an informative presentation on “Collaborating with Media in a Multi-Platform World.” Jansen, an 11-year NFL veteran and entrepreneur, offered strategies for maximizing business exposure across both traditional and digital platforms.
The afternoon keynote speaker, Paula Tutman, delivered an insightful presentation on the power of collaboration, highlighting how working together can increase knowledge and accelerate business success. Attendees enjoyed a lunch buffet featuring multiple food stations and a wide range of options to suit every taste, creating the perfect setting for networking and conversation.
The day was a true celebration of entrepreneurship, community, and the spirit of collaboration! Lawrence Technological University, Comerica Bank, and the City of Southfield sponsored the event.
“The biggest outcome from the conference was the quality of connections made,” said Dr, Allen. “We created a space where entrepreneurs were not just exchanging business cards, they were identifying real opportunities to partner, share resources, and create solutions. Attendees found collaborators they would not have met otherwise.”
These sessions gave participants practical tools and resources they can apply immediately to strengthen and scale their ventures.
“The feedback we received has been overwhelmingly positive. Many told us they have already begun collaborating and partnering with people they met at the conference. We even formed a partnership with The City of Southfield as a result of this event,” said Dr. Allen.
Comerica Bank sponsored the 2025 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference as part of the bank’s ongoing support of the NEA.
“Congratulations Dr. ZaLonya Allen and the National Entrepreneurs Association on the best Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference thus far,” said Kevin Watkins, Comerica Bank Vice President and External Affairs Market Manager. “It was an honor to support.”
In addition to Comerica and Lawrence Tech, additional event sponsors included the City of Southfield, Automation Alley and X-Trade Corporation.
