Business Unplugged

Cincinnati is a city where history, innovation, and entrepreneurship converge — and this fall, the spotlight turns to small businesses at CONFLUENCE™ 2025. On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, hundreds of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and business owners will gather at Matthew 25: Ministries in Blue Ash for a full day of strategies, mentorship, and networking designed to help them grow, adapt, and thrive.

Organized by Patricia Foster, the conference reflects Cincinnati’s unique blend of Midwestern grit and cultural sophistication. Its purpose is straightforward: equip small businesses with actionable insights they can use immediately, while also connecting them to the larger ecosystem of mentors, policymakers, and cultural institutions that shape the city.

Leadership Meets Entrepreneurship

The day will begin with Mayor Aftab Pureval, who will highlight how Cincinnati is supporting small businesses through policy, resources, and civic leadership. His presence signals the city’s recognition that small businesses form the backbone of the regional economy.

The keynote address comes from Carl Satterwhite, President/Owner of RCF Group, who has built one of the nation’s premier workplace solutions companies while staying rooted in Cincinnati. His story of resilience and vision underscores the values that local entrepreneurs share — grit, adaptability, and community engagement.

Sessions That Address Real-World Needs

The agenda speaks directly to today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Whitney Barkley, M.S., will lead a session on artificial intelligence, helping small business owners better understand new tools and how to use them effectively. Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day, will guide participants through a 28-day prompt challenge designed to transform marketing and social media strategies. Legal expert Tracy Vroom will focus on smart hiring practices and building compliant, resilient teams.

Mental health and adaptability will also be addressed as Susan Autran, MSW, LSW, shares methods for resourcing resiliency in leadership. Financial strategies will be at the forefront during a panel discussion with representatives from the Small Business Administration, the African American Chamber of Commerce, Huntington Bank, and GECU, offering insights on borrowing, capital access, and long-term financial stability. Ron Meyers from the University of Cincinnati will help entrepreneurs validate their products, while SCORE’s Bonnie Rib will lead a discussion on truly knowing and retaining customers. The day will close with SCORE’s signature speed mentoring, allowing attendees to sit down with multiple seasoned advisors in short sessions for personalized advice.

Why It Matters for Small Businesses

For Cincinnati’s entrepreneurs, CONFLUENCE™ 2025 is more than just another conference. It represents a catalyst for growth, resilience, and opportunity. Attendees will gain direct access to civic leadership, practical strategies in marketing, finance, and operations, and personal mentorship that is often difficult to secure. They will also find themselves immersed in a networking environment where peers, lenders, and service providers gather under one roof. Beyond skills and strategies, the event is designed to help small businesses build the resilience they need to withstand economic uncertainty and market changes.

The Cultural Landscape That Powers Business

Cincinnati’s cultural landscape provides fertile ground for entrepreneurship. Historic neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine showcase preserved 19th-century architecture, yet house thriving startups, shops, and creative spaces. Institutions such as the Cincinnati Symphony, Opera, and Ballet add global recognition, while major public events like Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati, Taste of Cincinnati, and BLINK draw massive crowds and stimulate local spending.

The connection between culture and commerce is undeniable. Festivals and traditions pump millions into the economy and create opportunities for small businesses to reach wider audiences. Public art and community programs — many supported by ArtsWave — build an atmosphere of creativity that small businesses can align with through sponsorships, partnerships, or direct participation. This cultural richness fuels an environment where entrepreneurs not only survive but thrive, tying their brands to the unique identity of the Queen City.

The Bigger Picture

CONFLUENCE™ 2025 embodies what makes Cincinnati distinct: a city where culture and commerce strengthen one another. By uniting business owners, mentors, policymakers, and cultural leaders under one roof, it builds a stronger foundation for small businesses to succeed.

For entrepreneurs, it’s a chance to gain insights, sharpen strategies, and plug into the cultural and economic currents shaping Cincinnati’s future. For the city, it reinforces a truth that defines its identity: small businesses are not just participants in the cultural landscape — they are creators of it.

For registration and event details, visit https://score.tfaforms.net/112?EventID=a10Vt000005nWrt.